SRPD officers arrest suspect and recover firearm after lengthy negotiations

On January 18, 2025, at approximately 1:30 am, a Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) officer patrolling the downtown area was flagged down near a parking garage regarding a disturbance involving a firearm. The victim reported a man he knew pointed a firearm at him and threatened him during an argument. Using vehicle registration information, officers responded to an address in the 2900 block of West Creek Lane, Santa Rosa, and located the suspect sleeping in his car. Officers saw a handgun on the passenger seat within arms reach of the suspect. 

Officers attempted to wake the suspect and give him commands via a patrol vehicle’s PA system. The suspect moved around slightly, but appeared to still be sleeping and was either ignoring or unable to hear commands for over thirty minutes. The SRPD Armored Response Vehicle (ARV) was brought to the scene and positioned behind the vehicle to provide officers a shield between them and the armed suspect. An SRPD Drone Operator positioned a drone above the vehicle to monitor the suspect’s movements through the windshield. A pole affixed to the front of the ARV was used to break out the back glass of the vehicle to provide an opening for further communication attempts. 

Negotiations resumed and the suspect eventually awoke and submitted to arrest without incident. Officers recovered a loaded, unregistered 9mm handgun on the passenger seat.

Upon contacting the suspect, officers believed he was intoxicated. An SRPD Accident Investigator responded to the scene and conducted a DUI investigation. The suspect was determined to have been operating his vehicle while intoxicated.

David Lesley, a 26-year-old Santa Rosa resident, was booked into Sonoma County Jail for the following charges:

417(a)(2) PC: Brandishing a weapon

245(a)(2) PC: Assault with a deadly weapon

422(a) PC: Criminal threats

25850(c)(6) PC: Possession of an unregistered firearm 

23152(a) VC: Driving under the influence of alcohol
 

Upon being informed of the incident, Chief John Cregan stated, “I want to express how proud I am of our officers’ response to this dangerous incident. The officers on the scene slowed down and focused on safely resolving the tense situation using great restraint.” Chief Cregan continued, “Our department is committed to using technology such as drones to safely bring incidents to an end, using the least amount of force necessary.  This incident highlights our organizational focus on hiring exceptional officers and civilian employees, developing enhanced training opportunities, and ensuring proper supervision. The results of these operational priorities are clearly making a difference.” 

Santa Rosa Police Case #25-752 

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