In a recent operation by the Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD), a significant cache of stolen weapons and explosives was uncovered in a home in Santa Rosa. The SRPD's Special Enforcement Team, focused on curbing the local rise in gun violence, conducted a search warrant and made critical discoveries on the 3000 Block of Cypress Way yesterday evening.
Amid the items recovered were a stolen short-barreled 12-gauge shotgun, a suppressor issued by the US military, an unregistered Ruger .22 caliber pistol equipped with a suppressor, a Glock handgun with modifications to convert it to fully automatic fire, and a series of high-capacity magazines and firearms. Notably, authorities also found explosive devices, including a Riot Agent CS Grenade, as well as blasting caps and detonation cord, which necessitated the assistance of the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad for safe removal.
According to the SRPD's statement, the suspect apprehended in the operation is Casey Zarnowski, 28, a Santa Rosa resident. Zarnowski is now facing several felony charges, including illegal machinegun conversion, possession of an assault weapon, multiple counts of possessing short-barreled shotguns, and possession of a threaded-barreled pistol without a fixed magazine. Additional charges include possession of stolen property and possession of destructive device materials.
The bail for Zarnowski has been set at $250,000. The Santa Rosa Police Department emphasized their commitment "to making the City of Santa Rosa a safe place to live, work, and play." The SET team, which was crucial in this latest effort to safely recover from confining these dangerous items and arresting responsible individuals, was formed to address issues related to illegal firearms specifically.
