**Update** Additional Arrests Made in Attempted Murder Investigation 

On August 3, 2026, at approximately 12:49 a.m., officers with the Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) responded to a reported shooting in the 500 block of Barham Avenue. Officers located an adult male with a gunshot wound to the arm and immediately rendered aid by applying a tourniquet before the victim was transported to a hospital. The investigation revealed that a verbal altercation occurred in a bar parking lot after several suspects exited the establishment, at which point one suspect produced a handgun and shot the victim. Detectives with the Gang Crimes Team responded, and through surveillance footage and investigative leads, identified 39-year-old Edward Joseph Sciutto of Rohnert Park as the suspected shooter. Later the same morning, detectives located Sciutto driving on Highway 101 and took him into custody without incident following a high-risk traffic stop. A subsequent search warrant at a residence associated with Sciutto resulted in the seizure of a loaded 9mm firearm and approximately one-half pound of cocaine. Sciutto was booked on charges including attempted murder, gang participation and enhancement allegations, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a controlled substance.  

The victim received medical treatment at an area hospital and has since been released. It is believed this was a gang-motivated shooting, with both the victim and suspects having associations with rival criminal street gangs. 

Gang Crimes Team detectives continued their investigation into this incident, which led to the identification of two additional suspects. On September 3, Jose Delpalacio, a 39-year-old resident of Santa Rosa, and Edgardo Tafoya, a 41-year-old resident of Windsor, were arrested for their respective roles in the attempted murder of the victim. Prior to the arrests, detectives had obtained arrest warrants for both Delpacio and Tafoya, as well as search warrants for their persons, respective residences, and associated vehicles. 

On September 3, at approximately 8:50 a.m., detectives located Delpacio inside an administrative office in the 2500 block of Corby Avenue. Delpacio was taken into custody by uniformed officers without incident. At approximately 9:25 a.m., a search warrant was served at Delpacio’s residence located in the 1300 block of Stroven Lane, Santa Rosa. Detectives located evidence related to this incident, including clothing and electronic evidence. Additionally, detectives located cocaine and items commonly used to package illegal narcotics. 

At approximately 10:30 a.m., a second team of detectives observed Tafoya leaving his apartment in the 60 block of Shiloh Road, Windsor. Uniformed officers contacted and detained Tafoya nearby without incident. At approximately 10:50 a.m., detectives served a search warrant at Tafoya’s apartment. Clothing and electronic evidence related to this incident were located by detectives.  

Delpalacio and Tafoya were arrested and booked into the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility for the following offenses: 

• 245(b) PC – Assault with a firearm 
• 186.22(a) PC – Active participation in a criminal street gang 
• 186.22(b)(1) PC – Commission of a felony for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal street gang 
• 182 PC – Conspiracy 
• 12022(a)(1) PC – Principal participant armed with a firearm 

Delpacio was also booked for possession of cocaine with the intent to sell, per 11351 HS.  

These arrests underscore the Santa Rosa Police Department’s commitment to holding those who contribute to violence in our community accountable. Gang-related violence poses a significant threat to public safety, placing innocent community members at risk and negatively impacting neighborhoods and families. The SRPD Gang Crimes Team remains focused on four key priorities: prevention, intervention, education, and enforcement. By disrupting violent offenders, engaging at-risk youth, partnering with community stakeholders, and pursuing proactive investigations, the Gang Crimes Team continues to work toward reducing gang violence, protecting our youth, and strengthening the safety and well-being of the Santa Rosa community. 

This incident is still being actively investigated. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the SRPD Gang Crimes Team tipline at 707-543-3670 or by submitting an anonymous tip online at www.srcity.org/CrimeTips. 

Santa Rosa Police Department case number 26-8262. 

Media inquiries can be made to Sgt. Patricia Seffens, Public Information Officer, at 707-543-3634 or pseffens@srcity.org.  

**Original Message** 

On Sunday August 3^rd at approximately 0049 hours, Officers from the Santa Rosa Police Department were dispatched to the 500 Block of Barham Ave for a shooting that had just occurred.  Officer arrived in the area and located a victim running on Santa Rosa Av. The victim had one gunshot wound to the arm.  Officers quickly applied a tourniquet to the victim’s arm and summoned medical aid.  The victim was taken to the hospital by ambulance.  Upon arriving on scene officers learned that several suspects had been drinking in the bar.  The victim had been outside the bar in the parking lot.   The suspects walked outside of the bar and a verbal altercation took place.  One suspect produced a handgun and began shooting at the victim striking him once. 

Detectives from the Santa Rosa Police Gang Crimes Team were summoned to the scene as this shooting was believed to be gang related.  Detectives obtained video surveillance of the shooting and quickly identified Edward Joseph Sciutto, a 39-year-old Rohnert Park resident, as the suspect who had shot the victim.  Sciutto has gang ties and had served time in prison for a gang related stabbing in 2010.  Detectives began following leads and located a vehicle being driven by Sciutto driving on Southbound Highway 101.  A high-risk traffic stop was conducted, and Sciutto was taken into custody without incident.  A search warrant was later served on a residence related to Sciutto where a half pound of cocaine and a loaded 9mm firearm were recovered. 

Sciutto was arrested for 664/187 PC – Attempted Murder, 186.22 (A) PC - Participate in a Criminal Street Gang, 186.22 (B) PC - Gang Enhancement, 29800 PC - Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and 11350(a) HS - Possession of a Controlled Substance. 

The Santa Rosa Police Department is committed to reducing gang and gun violence in our community. The enforcement of gang related crimes and firearms-related offenses continues to be a priority for Chief John Cregan, and our officers. For additional media inquiries contact Lieutenant K. Philp at 707 543-3668