Santa Rosa, CA – Four juveniles were arrested in Santa Rosa on Wednesday on suspicion of attempted murder after a 15-year-old boy was stabbed multiple times in what police believe was an attempted robbery, authorities reported.
At approximately 8:20 a.m., officers from the Santa Rosa Police Department responded to a 911 call regarding a stabbing near the intersection of Boyd Street and Hickory Circle. Upon arrival, they found the victim, a 15-year-old boy, lying on the ground with several severe stab wounds. Police said the teenager was bleeding heavily from a chest wound, with additional cuts to his wrist, head, and neck. Paramedics provided first aid before transporting the victim to a nearby hospital, where he was treated for life-threatening injuries.
According to police, the victim and a 15-year-old friend were approached by four or five male suspects who arrived in a stolen vehicle. The teens had been waiting at a bus stop when the suspects allegedly threatened them with gang-related challenges. Police said the suspects attempted to rob the boys of their belongings while several of them were armed with knives.
A physical confrontation ensued as the suspects fought the teens for their property. During the struggle, the victim was stabbed. The suspects fled the scene in their vehicle, leaving the injured teen behind. A witness at the scene provided a description of the vehicle, including its license plate number. Authorities later determined that the vehicle had been reported as stolen.
Just before 9 a.m., a detective with the Santa Rosa Police Department’s Gang Crimes Team located the suspect vehicle parked and unoccupied in the 2900 block of Bay Village Circle. Additional officers were dispatched to the area and set up surveillance. At approximately 9:54 a.m., three male suspects were seen exiting an apartment complex and entering the suspect vehicle.
As officers moved in to detain the suspects, one fled on foot, leading to a brief pursuit. The suspect was eventually caught and arrested. As officers attempted to detain the remaining two suspects at the vehicle, another ran from the scene. Despite several commands to stop, the suspect reportedly resisted arrest, prompting an officer to deploy a Taser. The initial attempt was unsuccessful, but the second deployment was effective, allowing the officers to detain the suspect without injury.
All three suspects were arrested, and a fourth suspect was taken into custody later. Police said the investigation is ongoing, and charges against the juveniles are expected to include attempted murder, robbery, and gang-related offenses.
The victim remains hospitalized in stable condition, and police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crime. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
This violent altercation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating gang-related crimes in the area. The swift response by Santa Rosa police, aided by witnesses, helped lead to the timely arrests of the suspects involved in this disturbing incident.