Police: Man found shot to death in Rohnert Park shopping center parking lot

A man was pronounced dead Thursday night after he was found with a single gunshot to his chest at a Rohnert Park shopping center, authorities said.

At about 6:30 p.m., a person passing by the parking lot of Mountain Shadows Plaza on Golf Course Drive called 911 to report they heard a possible gunshot and saw an adult male lying on the ground.

Officers with the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety, along with fire personnel, responded about a minute later to find a man on the ground with a single gunshot wound to his chest.

The shopping plaza contains Walmart Neighborhood Market, as well as Rohnert Park Fire Station 2 and other small businesses.

First responders performed life-saving efforts, but they pronounced the man dead at the scene.

“We can’t elaborate on suspects at this point,” Sgt. Justin Wax told The Press Democrat on Friday morning. “It did not appear to be a random act of violence, but (the) case is still under investigation.”

Wax deferred to the Sonoma County Coroner’s Unit for information about the man’s identity and age, but that information was not released Friday.

He added that officials hope people in area who might have seen or heard anything abnormal will call the department.

Those with information may contact Detective Fermin Ramirez at 707-588-3597 and refer to case No. 24-0293.

It has been almost three years since the most recent homicide in Rohnert Park.

Cesar Saloma, 29, was fatally shot June 4, 2021, following a confrontation with suspects outside an apartment complex on Snyder Lane.

Four suspects were arrested in connection to his death.

You can reach Staff Writer Alana Minkler at 707-526-8531 or alana.minkler@pressdemocrat.com. On X (Twitter) @alana_minkler.