Authorities in Santa Rosa apprehended a wanted gang member found to be carrying a loaded firearm on Thursday, relying on the STOPITNOW program's alert that Santa Rosa City Schools initiated. Santa Rosa Police Department Gang Crimes Team located the suspect, Javier Lesama Montano, who had an outstanding felony warrant near Stony Point Rd and Glenbrook Ave at approximately 3 p.m.
The pursuit began when Montano boarded a city bus discreetly followed by undercover detectives. Backup was called as the bus approached the intersection of Dutton Meadow and Pebble Creek Ln, near Meadow View Elementary School. Montano and two juvenile females exited the bus and headed towards a nearby apartment complex, according to the Santa Rosa Police Department. As officers moved to arrest him, he attempted to escape but was quickly tackled and subdued after a brief struggle. Lesama initially resisted arrest but was eventually brought into custody.
A subsequent search of Lesama's satchel yielded a loaded 9mm handgun, bolstering charges against him, including felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, amongst others. The police believe that Lesama is an active participant in the Sureno Criminal Street Gang, an affiliation that incurred an additional gang enhancement charge.
Following his arrest, Lesama was booked at the Sonoma County Jail with charges that encompassed violation of probation and multiple firearm-related offenses.
