Santa Rosa Police Arrest Armed Felon After Foot Pursuit on Prince Memorial Greenway

On December 26, 2025, at approximately 8:10 p.m., Santa Rosa Police Department officers were conducting proactive foot patrol along the Prince Memorial Greenway trail when they encountered Robert Penister Jr., a 52-year-old Santa Rosa resident, at a homeless encampment.

Officers recognized Penister as having an outstanding felony no-bail warrant for violating the terms of his Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS). Penister had previously fled from officers during prior attempts to arrest him. When officers attempted to take Penister into custody, he attempted to flee once again. Officers pursued him on foot and apprehended him a short distance away. During the arrest, Penister resisted, and officers deployed a Taser device to safely subdue him.

Upon his arrest, Penister was found in possession of a loaded .22 caliber Ruger Mark II handgun. As a convicted felon, Penister is prohibited by law from possessing firearms or ammunition.  The firearm was not reported stolen, and Penister was not the registered owner. An investigation is underway to determine how Penister obtained the weapon.

Penister was transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation and, after being cleared, was booked into the Sonoma County Jail on the following charges:

• 29800(a)(1) PC: Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
• 25850(c)(6) PC: Possession of a loaded firearm not the registered owner
• 30305(a)(1) PC: Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon
• 69 PC: Resisting arrest by force
• Outstanding PRCS Warrant

Due to the seriousness of the offenses and Penister’s resistance, a Sonoma County Superior Court Judge increased his bail to $750,000.

This case underscores the Santa Rosa Police Department’s commitment to proactive enforcement and ensuring community safety.

SRPD Case #25-13814
Media Contact:
Sgt. Brett Siwy
(707) 543-3625