Suspect arrested after firearm located in backpack

On Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at approximately 1:00 a.m., an officer with the Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) was driving in the area of Maxwell Drive and W. College Avenue, when he saw a male looking into vehicles in a nearby parking lot. The officer contacted the subject and recognized him from a previous contact as Dewitt Scott, a 42-year-old Santa Rosa resident.

The officer conducted a records check of Scott and found he was on full searchable probation. The officer conducted a search of Scott and his belongings. He located a 9mm firearm in Scott’s backpack.

The firearm was a privately manufactured firearm (PMF), commonly referred to as a “ghost gun.” These firearms do not have serial numbers and are not registered with the Department of Justice (DOJ). The firearm was not loaded.

Scott is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms.

Scott was transported to the Sonoma County Jail and booked for the following charges:

29800(a)(1) PC-Felon in possession of a firearm
25400(a)2) PC-Carry concealed weapon on person
1203.2 PC-Probation violation

Santa Rosa Police Department case number 26-11110.
Media inquiries can be made to Sgt. Kelly Cresta @ 707-543-4013 or kcresta@srcity.org