Suspected Gang Members Arrested for South Santa Rosa Shooting

On Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at 7:04 p.m., Santa Rosa Police Officers responded to a reported shooting in the 600 block of Aston Avenue. It was reported two suspects were seen running away eastbound on Aston Avenue before officers arrived on the scene. One suspect was described as an unknown race male wearing a black ski mask, black puffy jacket, and blue jeans. The other suspect was described as an unknown race male wearing a black jacket and blue jeans.

Officers responded to the area and located multiple spent shell casings in the roadway. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate the suspects or any victims of the gunfire.  

Shortly after officers began their investigation, SRPD Dispatch received a report that the victim was being transported to a local hospital in a personal vehicle. Santa Rosa Police Officers responded to the hospital where they contacted the victim.  The victim sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and was in stable condition. The victim was later released and is recovering from their injury. The victim was a 17-year-old male from Santa Rosa. The victim’s name will not be released based on their age and the violent nature of the crime.

Violent Crimes Investigations Detectives were notified and responded to take over the investigation. Through their investigation, detectives were able to determine the shooting was gang related and the suspects were believed to have targeted the victim.  Detectives were able to identify two suspects responsible for the shooting through video surveillance. One of the suspects was identified as Ramiro Maldonado, a 19-year-old Petaluma resident. The other suspect was identified as a 17-year-old male resident of Santa Rosa. The 17-year-old suspect was determined to be on felony probation for a previous gang related shooting.

On Thursday, June 1, 2023, at approximately 2:15 pm, Violent Crimes Detectives served search and arrest warrants for both suspects in the 6000 block of Petersen Road, in Petaluma. The search warrant was served utilizing SRPD SWAT members due to the violent nature of the crime. Maldonado and his 17-year-old crime participant were arrested during the search warrant service without incident.  Detectives searched the residence and located evidence linking Maldonado and the juvenile suspect to the shooting.  

Maldonado was ultimately booked into Sonoma County Jail for the following charges:

• 664/187 PC – Attempted Murder
• 186.22(a) PC – Participation in Criminal Street Gang
• 186.22(b)(1) – Promote Criminal Street Gang

• 664/187 PC – Attempted Murder
• 186.22(a) PC – Participation in Criminal Street Gang
• 186.22(b)(1) – Promote Criminal Street Gang
• 777 W&I – Violation of Juvenile Probation

Anyone with information about the investigation is encouraged to contact SRPD through our online Tip Line:  www.srcity.org/CrimeTips. You can also provide information by contacting Violent Crimes Investigations Detectives at (707) 543-3595.

Media inquiries may be directed to Sergeant Brandon Matthies at bmatthies@srcity.org.  SRPD case number 23-6557.