Police training exercise closes roads in downtown Santa Rosa

The Santa Rosa Police Department conducted a training exercise Thursday near the former Sears at Santa Rosa Plaza.

Officials said there would be a large police presence and residents should avoid the area. The training, which was held from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., was a joint exercise between the department’s SWAT and hostage negotiation teams.

“We’re just trying to make sure people stay out of that area so we can conduct our training safely,” said Police Sgt. Jeneane Kucker.

Police said the following roads would be closed during the exercise: 1st Street, from B Street to A Street; A Street, from 3rd Street to 1st Street; and the parking lot along B Street, between 3rd Street and 1st Street.

The southern-most parking structure along 1st Street also was closed. Police said the former Sears building will be off-limits to anyone not involved in the training.

A perimeter of the area was cordoned off, but the Santa Rosa Plaza Mall and neighboring businesses remained open.

You can reach Staff Writer Martin Espinoza at 707-521-5213 or martin.espinoza@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @renofish.