Santa Rosa police arrest suspect in slow-speed chase after chaotic standoff

Bay City News Service

SANTA ROSA — A Santa Rosa man was arrested following a slow-speed pursuit and chaotic standoff with officers on Friday night, according to sheriff’s officials.

A deputy attempted to pull over Fabian Romero, 22, for reckless driving within city limits around 10:15 p.m., sheriff’s officials said, but Romero failed to yield and fled, only reaching speeds around 25 mph.

Romero, also wanted on three outstanding warrants on suspicion of weapons and traffic violations along with prior evasion of a peace officer, was stopped after deputies used spike strips and a pit maneuver to stop the vehicle near Woolsey and Wood roads in unincorporated Sonoma County.

At that point, sheriff’s officials said Romero held two knives to his throat. Members of the sheriff’s department’s hostage negotiations team arrived to attempt to end the standoff. A mental health professional and Romero’s family members also attempted to help sheriff’s officers.

During the standoff, Romero began drinking beer and smoking inside the vehicle, taunting the deputies on scene in an attempt to escalate the situation. Sheriff’s officials said Romero also faked having a medical issue during negotiations.

Deputies eventually attempted to end the standoff, with a sheriff’s K-9 and less-lethal firearm rounds deployed before Romero surrendered and was taken into custody.

Romero was transported to a hospital for injuries from K-9 bites and the less-lethal rounds. He will be booked into the Sonoma County Jail when released from the hospital.