Arrest Made in Reckless Fire Started by Illegal Fireworks

On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, multiple 911 calls were received regarding a vegetation fire in a grassy field near the southeast corner of Stony Point Road and Sebastopol Avenue. The small field separates several businesses and a residential area. The Santa Rosa Fire Department (SRFD) responded to the area and located a fire burning toward a nearby apartment complex. Fire personnel quickly brought the fire under control before it could damage any structures.

Fire Investigators with SRFD responded to the location and determined the fire was caused by illegal fireworks. Upon further investigation, it was learned the incident was captured by the security camera of a nearby business. Fire Investigators requested an officer with the Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) respond to conduct a criminal investigation. The video showed several individuals with fireworks gathered in the parking lot of a business. One of the individuals lit a firework, which fell to its side and shot into the nearby field starting several small fires. The individual unsuccessfully attempted to put out the fires before fleeing the scene in his vehicle. 

Based on the video evidence, SRPD officers were able to identify the person suspected of starting the fire as Ruben Zamudio-Rodriguez, a 21-year-old Santa Rosa resident. On Monday, July 15, 2024, detectives with the SRPD Property Crimes Investigations Team began a surveillance operation with the goal of locating and arresting Zamudio-Rodriguez for recklessly starting a fire. Zamudio-Rodriguez was detained following a traffic stop in the 900 block of Dutton Avenue early in the afternoon. A search of his vehicle uncovered a collapsible metal baton, commonly used by law enforcement officers. 

Zamudio-Rodriguez was arrested and booked into Sonoma County Jail for the following charges:

452(c) PC - Unlawful and reckless causing of a fire

22210 PC - Possession of a leaded baton

We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to the Santa Rosa Fire Department for their swift action in extinguishing this fire and for their assistance in this investigation. Fireworks of any kind are illegal in the City of Santa Rosa and unincorporated Sonoma County. Not only can they cause serious injury or death, but they can easily ignite devastating fires as could have been the case in this incident if not for the community members who quickly reported the fire and the quick response by SRFD. 

Santa Rosa Police Department case number 24-8245.

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