City of Santa Rosa, CA, CivicReady Public Safety Alerts & Notifications
SRPD News Release: Suspect Armed with a Knife Taken into Custody Following Public Safety Incident
Suspect Armed with a Knife Taken into Custody Following Public Safety Incident
On the morning of April 12, 2026, Santa Rosa Police officers responded to reports of an individual armed with a large knife threatening people near Safeway, in the 2200 block of Mendocino Avenue. At approximately 9:46 a.m., dispatch received multiple 911 calls reporting a female suspect chasing individuals in the street and attempting to stab people. Callers described the suspect as an adult female with blonde hair, wearing a white shirt and black leggings, and armed with a knife. The suspect was last seen moving southbound toward the Chase Bank parking lot.Responding officers located the suspect near the front of the Chase Bank building. The suspect was armed with a knife and was non‑compliant with officers’ commands, at one point pointing the knife toward officers and directing them to stay back. As a precaution, Mendocino Avenue was temporarily blocked in the southbound direction, and medical personnel were staged nearby.
Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation with verbal communication. Over the course of approximately 10 minutes, the woman repeatedly refused to voluntarily surrender, and she continued to threaten officers with the knife. Officers utilized a less‑lethal projectile, but it had no effect. A Taser conducted energy device was then successfully deployed, allowing officers to safely take the suspect into custody. The knife was secured at the scene. Espinoza was transported to an area hospital for medical treatment of minor injuries sustained during the incident.
No members of the public or officers were injured during the incident.
The suspect, a 53‑year‑old transient female identified as Tiffany Espinoza, was arrested and booked into Sonoma County Jail for the following offenses:
- 422 PC – Criminal threats
- 417 PC – Brandishing a weapon
- 69 PC – Resisting officers through force or threats
Mendocino Avenue was reopened shortly after the suspect was taken into custody, and it was determined safe for the public to enter nearby businesses.
This incident remains under investigation. Anyone who witnessed the incident or believes they may have been contacted or threatened by the suspect is encouraged to contact Officer Mann at bmann@srcity.org.
SRPD case #26-3792.
Media inquiries can be made to Lieutenant Josh Ludtke at 707-543-3641 or jludtke@srcity.org.
