Juan Mendoza-Meza, 30 years old, Santa Rosa, was arrested yesterday for assault with a deadly weapon and felony animal cruelty.
On June 1, at about 9:00 am, deputies were dispatched to Las Lomas Road near Central Avenue in Boyes Hot Springs for a vehicle versus pedestrian investigation. During the investigation, deputies learned that a man was walking his dog, a terrier mix, when he saw a white Maserati driving towards him at a high rate of speed. As the Maserati past him, the man yelled at the driver to slow down. The car came to a complete stop. The driver, later identified as Mendoza-Meza, put the car in reverse, accelerated and hit the victim and dog with the car. The dog died at the scene due to its injuries. The victim was transported to an area hospital for his injuries, remains in the hospital, and is expected to survive.
The Sheriff's Office posted information on Facebook and NextDoor seeking help from the public in finding the white Maserati and driver involved in this violent crime. The Sheriff's Office has used social media in the past to solve crimes with the help of community members. Violent Crime Detectives have been actively investigating this case and following up on leads from the public.
On June 3, detectives found the Maserati backed into a driveway in the 1000 block of Elmwood Drive, Santa Rosa, after receiving an anonymous tip from the public. The trunk of the Maserati had significant damage. The Maserati was later towed to the Sheriff's Office for processing.
At approximately 4:38 pm, detectives found Mendoza-Meza at a residence in the 100 block of Butterfly Lane in Santa Rosa. Mendoza-Meza was arrested and booked into the Sonoma County Jail for assault with a deadly weapon with serious bodily injury and felony cruelty to an animal. Mendoza-Meza remains in custody on a no-bail hold.
We would like to thank the community members who called us with information. This case is another example of how we can better protect our community when we all work together.
Prepared by Sergeant Juan Valencia, Public Information Officer
Case No: 200601-004
Media Inquiries: (707) 565-3941
