Fatal Sonoma Co. Gang-Related Shooting Probed

SANTA ROSA, CA — Authorities are asking for the public’s help in the investigation of a fatal gang-related shooting early Monday morning at a large 4th of July fireworks show, the Santa Rosa Police Department said.

One person was killed and three others including two juveniles were wounded in the shooting according to police.

Javier Montes-Medina, 35 of Santa Rosa, died at the scene, police said.

The shooting left a 29-year-old Santa Rosa woman and a 17-year-old female juvenile suffered life-threatening injuries and are in critical condition according to police.

A 16-year-old male juvenile was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

No arrests have been made in connection with the shooting according to police.

“The investigation is still in its early stages, and we are following up on every investigative lead,” the SRPD said in a statement.

Officers at around 12:05 a.m. on Monday responded to a report of shooting in the 1500 block of Beachwood Drive where dozens of people were participating in the illegal fireworks show, police said.

A silver Honda Accord with an unknown number of occupants was seen driving into the neighborhood at the time of shooting is being investigated as a possible suspect vehicle according to police.

“Witnesses believed they heard gang challenges come from vehicle occupants, but we are investigating what exactly was shouted from the Honda,” the SRPD said.

Montes-Medina and two juveniles were shot in the initial exchange of gunfire according to police.

The woman was subsequently shot in a second exchange of gunfire as an unspecified number of crowd members engaged the Honda occupants as vehicle tried to flee the area, police said.

The Honda crashed into a parked car and the suspects scene on foot according to police.

Officers were unable to locate the suspects.

“Currently, we do not have additional suspect information to provide,” the SRPD said.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the SRPD’s Tip Line.

A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered by the Sonoma County Alliance Community Engagement and Safety Rewards Fund for information leading to the arrest of the suspect or suspects in this case.

— Bay City News contributed to this report