Full Notification

17-Year Old Arrested for Attempted Murder

For Immediate Release Wednesday, October 31, 2018 9:31 AM Case# RP18-0004536
Contact: Sgt. Jeff Justice (707) 584-2631
Cmdr. Aaron Johnson (707) 584-2650
Monday-Thursday 8am-5pm

ROHNERT PARK – On 10/30/18 at approximately 8:30 PM, Rohnert Park Public Safety Dispatch received a call of someone who had been stabbed and was bleeding profusely. Upon arrival of the officers, they located the victim, a 56 year old female, on the sidewalk across from the residence. She had an injury to her neck and was covered in blood. Officers immediately began first aid and transferred her to an ambulance waiting nearby. She was transported to a local hospital where she was treated and released.

A neighbor told officers the person who had stabbed the victim was inside a residence across the street. As officers were in the house searching for the suspect (juvenile) and other victims, they heard another officer yelling from the driveway. As officers came out to assist, they saw the suspect standing approximately 8-10 feet away from the officer. The suspect had a large knife in his hand and was not following commands to drop the weapon. One officer used a Conducted Energy Weapon (Taser®) which had no effect on the suspect. Two other officers continued to give commands for the suspect to drop the knife however he would not comply. Both officers deployed their Taser’s at which time the suspect dropped the weapon and was taken into custody.

Several of the neighbors who heard the screaming ran across the street and entered the house. Upon entering, they saw the suspect holding the victim up against the wall in the hallway, not letting her leave. In addition, the victim’s two small children (4, 8) were present and witnessed the attack. The neighbors pleaded with the suspect to let the children leave. After a short time, the neighbors were able to convince the suspect and the kids were taken to a nearby home until officers arrived. Once the children left the house, the suspect released the victim at which point she left with the neighbors and called 911.

The suspect remained in the home until officers arrived and then had the encounter on the driveway. Investigators learned the suspect had grabbed the 4 year old around the neck and choked her prior to confronting the victim and stabbing her in the neck. None of the parties involved in this incident will be identified, nor will the address be disclosed due to the confidentiality of the children.

The victim’s husband was not home at the time of the attack; however, he showed up during the investigation. Both children were released to the victim’s husband after they were interviewed.

The suspect is being held without bail in the Sonoma County Juvenile Hall for Attempted Murder and Felony Child Cruelty causing injury.