Santa Rosa police say an elderly man was carjacked today somewhere in the city, and they are now leaning on the public to help crack the case. In a brief social media alert, the department announced the incident and asked anyone with information to contact detectives. For now, officials are keeping other details under wraps while the investigation continues.
What police posted
According to the Santa Rosa Police, the department shared a short message saying an elderly man had been carjacked and urged anyone with information to contact investigators. The alert specifically asked witnesses and anyone with relevant video or other footage to come forward to help detectives.
Elderly man carjacked, see full story: https://t.co/nFJUIeprhv pic.twitter.com/qg5IREAU8r
— Santa Rosa Police (@SantaRosaPolice) April 10, 2026
Legal context
Carjacking is a felony under California law, according to California Legislative Information, and is punishable by three, five or nine years in state prison. When victims are 60 or older, California Legislative Information notes that Penal Code Section 1203.09 generally limits the court's ability to grant probation in carjacking cases.
Statewide vehicle-theft context
While carjacking is different from broader vehicle theft, California Highway Patrol figures underscore the scale of auto crime statewide. The CHP reported 176,230 vehicles stolen in 2024, a 13% decline from 2023, though officials say the problem is still significant, according to CBS Bay Area.
How to help
Anyone with information about the Santa Rosa carjacking is asked to contact the Santa Rosa Police Department. The city lists its non-emergency dispatch number as 707-528-5222 and advises callers to dial 9-1-1 for emergencies. Additional contact details and guidance for reporting tips are available on the police page at the City of Santa Rosa.
