Following a dramatic standoff in Santa Rosa, the Sonoma Sheriff's Office is investigating an officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of a 20-year-old suspect. According to the Sonoma Sheriff's social media post, the incident, which occurred last Thursday in the 900 block of Keegan Drive, saw Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD)'s SWAT Officer Sean Keaney fatally shoot Matteo Ramirez-Santos.
Reports indicate that the SRPD dispatched officers to the residence after receiving a call at approximately 10:12 p.m. last Wednesday, involving armed domestic violence. The ex-girlfriend of Ramirez-Santos and their two-month-old infant, along with her parents, had been able to self-evacuate from the house when officers arrived. Prior to fleeing, the victim reported being assaulted with the firearm by Ramirez-Santos, as confirmed by the Santa Rosa Police Department.
The suspect had multiple charges against him, including domestic violence, and was recognized as a member of a criminal street gang. Over six hours of attempted negotiations ensued, ending abruptly when Ramirez-Santos charged out of the front door armed, resulting in Officer Keaney discharging his weapon. The Sonoma Sheriff's Office is reviewing multiple pieces of evidence, including body-worn camera footage and surveillance videos, as part of the ongoing investigation, as stated in the official statement from the Sonoma Sheriff's Office.
In the wake of the incident, Officer Keaney has been placed on paid administrative leave, a routine procedure in such situations. The Santa Rosa Police Department has committed to an administrative review to assess compliance with department policies regarding the involved officers' actions. Following the incident's conclusion, a shelter-in-place alert issued for nearby residents was lifted. Additional details will be disclosed after the thorough inquiry conducted by the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office and the Sonoma County District Attorney's Office.
