Boy, 16, injured in suspected gang-related shooting in Santa Rosa

A 16-year-old Santa Rosa resident was hospitalized after a suspected gang-related shooting Tuesday in northwest Santa Rosa, police said.

Santa Rosa police received reports of gunshots fired near Pioneer Park about 5:38 p.m. Tuesday, and found multiple people fleeing when they arrived at the scene.

Officers learned a large group was having a barbecue in the crowded park when a vehicle arrived and a confrontation with the group ensued. Multiple shots were fired shortly afterward, causing the crowd at the park to disperse.

While officers were investigating the incident, a 16-year-old arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound to his chest, police said. The juvenile went into emergency surgery and was in serious but not life-threatening condition.

Police said the juvenile’s name was not being released because of his age and the crime’s violent nature.

The Gang Crimes Team, which has taken over the ongoing investigation, believes the shooting was a “targeted gang-related incident and not a random act of violence,” according to a press release.

Police asked anyone who witnessed or has information about the incident to call the Gang Crimes Team at 543-3670. Information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspects involved in the shooting could result in a reward of up to $2,500 from the Sonoma County Alliance.

You can reach Staff Writer J.D. Morris at 707-521-5337 or jd.morris@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @thejdmorris.