On Friday March 20, 2015, at approximately 1:07 PM, members of the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team gathered to assist in a search for evidence in the shooting that occurred in the early morning hours outside Petaluma. Detectives had developed leads and determined the general area where the suspects likely disposed of the handgun used in the shooting.
The SAR Team responded to a creek area about a quarter mile south of the residence on Old Redwood Highway where the victim had been shot. They were met by Detectives who were still actively working the case.
The SAR Team quickly developed a plan to systematically search the overgrown expanse near a bridge beside the roadway north of South McDowell Boulevard. The area was thick with blackberry brambles and other overgrown vegetation. They requested assistance from the City of Petaluma Public Works Department to provide tools to cut down some of the foliage.
Personnel from Petaluma Public Works arrived and assisted in clearing the bushes. While one of their workers was cutting away the underbrush, he discovered a handgun. He alerted the Sheriff’s Personnel and they recovered the weapon. It was booked in the Property Division as evidence.
The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the dedication of the volunteers on our Search and Rescue Team. We are also grateful to the assistance from the employees of the City of Petaluma who aided us in the hunt for the missing weapon.
This case is still being actively investigated by the Violent Crimes Detectives. Anyone with information pertaining to this case is encouraged to call the Tip Line at 707-565-2185.
#150320-006
Prepared by Sergeant Cecile Focha
Media Relations / PIO
