Santa Rosa Man Arrested After Arson Fronting Roseland Accelerated Middle School

On October 4, 2026, at approximately 8:05 p.m., a Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of Fenway Drive following a report of an unwanted subject knocking on a resident's front door. Prior to the officer's arrival, SRPD Dispatch identified the subject as Argenis Mauricio Paez, a 27-year-old Santa Rosa resident, and advised that Paez had outstanding felony and misdemeanor bench warrants for his arrest. Paez had left the area before officers arrived, and officers determined no additional crime had occurred.

Approximately 15 minutes later, while driving north on Burbank Avenue, the same officer observed an actively spreading vegetation fire in dry grass on the sidewalk directly fronting Roseland Accelerated Middle School. The fire measured approximately five feet by five feet and was advancing toward a tree. The officer advised dispatch and requested a Santa Rosa Fire Department (SRFD) response. An assisting officer arrived and worked to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher.

Moments later, SRPD Dispatch advised that a community member had called 911 to report watching a male subject start the fire and then run north on Burbank Avenue. Witnesses directed officers to the subject’s location, where he was concealing himself in the driveway area of a residence.

Upon his arrival, the officer immediately recognized the subject as Paez. Paez physically struggled during his detention, until officers placed him in handcuffs without further incident.

Witnesses reported seeing Paez light a second fire at a separate location nearby. Officers located the second fire, which had already burned out. Paez was in possession of a lighter at the time of his contact.

Based on witness statements and evidence located, his outstanding warrants, and his resistive behavior during arrest, Paez was arrested and booked into the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility for the following charges;

• 451(d) PC – Arson of property (two counts)
• 148(a)(1) PC – Obstructing/resisting a peace officer
• 978.5 PC – Outstanding felony bench warrant
• 978.5 PC – Outstanding misdemeanor bench warrant

Damage was limited to two burned grassy areas. No injuries to the public were reported, and no structures were damaged. The fires occurred on a Sunday evening when school was not in session.

The Santa Rosa Police Department would like to thank the alert community members who witnessed this crime and immediately called 911.  Their decisive actions and real-time information were directly responsible for officers locating and arresting the suspect within minutes, and for stopping a fire from spreading further toward a school campus.

As dry conditions continue into the fall, SRPD and SRFD encourage residents to remain vigilant.  Anyone who sees a fire, observes someone attempting to start a fire, or witnesses suspicious behavior involving combustible materials should call 911 immediately.  Rapid responses from SRFD and SRPD keep fires from spreading and threatening nearby homes, schools, and businesses.
Residents of Santa Rosa are also encouraged to visit the City's WUI webpage to learn whether their property is in a designated fire hazard area and to understand the requirements that help reduce wildfire risk. The site provides information on defensible space, vegetation management, home hardening, and other steps residents can take to protect their homes, families, and neighborhoods from wildfire. Visit the Wildfire Ready webpage here: https://www.srcity.org/3558/Wildfire-Ready

The Santa Rosa Police Department and Santa Rosa Fire Department remain committed to aggressively investigating arson crimes, holding offenders accountable, and protecting the community from the dangers posed by intentionally set fires.  Anyone with information related to suspicious fires is encouraged to contact the SRPD Property Crimes Investigations Team tip line at 707-543-3575 or submit an anonymous tip at www.srcity.org/CrimeTips.

Media inquiries for the Santa Rosa Police Department can be directed to Lt. Ryan Hepp, at 707-543-4024, rhepp@srcity.org.
Santa Rosa Police Department case number 26-10999.