Man Arrested for a Stabbing in a Santa Rosa Apartment Complex Following an Argument

On October 7, 2025, at approximately 5:25 p.m., officers with the Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) responded to a report of a stabbing at an apartment complex in the 20 block of Third Street. Upon arrival, officers found the 26-year-old male victim suffering from at least one stab wound to his torso. The victim was promptly transported by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment. The suspect had fled the area prior to officers arriving on scene. 

Witnesses identified the suspect as Robert Mendoza, a 27-year-old male who resided in the apartment complex. Officers responding to the area were advised Mendoza had fled the scene following the stabbing and that he had an outstanding felony warrant unrelated to this incident. As officers were arriving, they located Mendoza in the downtown area fleeing on foot. He fled through different city streets until an officer and his K9 partner “Roco” located Mendoza on B Street near Fifth Street. Mendoza immediately ran when the officer called out to him. Due to the fact Mendoza was suspected of committing a violent felony, was likely still armed, and an immediate threat to public safety, the officer utilized K9 Roco to apprehend Mendoza. As Mendoza was running, the officer warned Mendoza that he may be bit if he continued to run. Mendoza ignored the warning and continued to flee eastbound on Fifth Street. Roco successfully apprehended Mendoza as he tried to hide in the bed of a parked pickup truck. Mendoza sustained lacerations during the apprehension and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. 

The SRPD’s Violent Crimes Investigation Team (VCI) took over the investigation, while Field and Evidence Technicians processed the scene. The weapon used in this stabbing, believed to be a knife, was not located during this investigation.  

Due to the violent nature of the crime, the victim's identity will not be released. The victim remains in critical condition at a local hospital. Mendoza and the victim are believed to be acquaintances, and the nature of their argument and Mendoza’s motive for the stabbing remains under investigation.  

Upon release from the hospital, Mendoza was booked into the Sonoma County Jail on the following charges: 

• 664/187(a) PC – Attempted Murder 

• Felony warrant, unrelated 

SRPD VCI detectives are continuing to investigate the incident and are seeking additional witnesses. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the VCI tip line at 707-543-3590 or submit a tip online at www.srcity.org/CrimeTips. 

Santa Rosa Police Department case number 25-10982. 

Media inquiries can be made to Sgt. Patricia Seffens, Public Information Officer