Yesterday, the Santa Rosa Police Department disrupted the streets when they arrested 18-year-old Anthony Hernandez and a 16-year-old juvenile for possession of a loaded handgun in their vehicle.
According to the Santa Rosa Police Department, officers were familiar with Hernandez due to his previous involvement in vehicle pursuits and firearms-related arrests. The stop was made to ensure he was in compliance with pretrial release terms. Officers then discovered the loaded .40 caliber handgun under the passenger seat, resulting in Hernandez and the juvenile being arrested and charged with multiple offenses including gang participation.
As reported by the National Gang Center, youth being drawn into gang life often begins in early adolescence. The presence of a 16-year-old juvenile in this case reinforces the need for effective gang prevention, intervention, and re-entry programs.
