Full Notification

Case# RP20-4793
                      
On December 26, 2020 at approximately 11:20 AM, the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety received a 9-1-1 call from a woman on Manchester Ave in Rohnert Park reporting her 77 year old husband (victim) had just been shot.  Initial reports to responding officers was the gunman fled the area in a vehicle bearing an out of state plate. 
 
Officers arrived within one minute of the call and a witness pointed to the cul-de-sac at the end of Montana Way adjacent to where the shooting had taken place.  Some officers gave chase and others remained with the victim to perform first aid.  The officers were able to locate a small black compact vehicle with a Nevada license plate making a U-turn in the cul-de-sac.  The vehicle was occupied by an elderly male driver.  The officers blocked the road and took the man into custody without incident.  While searching the vehicle, the officers found a .380 handgun in a duffle bag.  They also located a rubberized over the head mask resembling Donald Trump, and a long white curly beard.
 
The officers on scene determined the victim had been shot twice.  They were able to quickly transfer him to the ambulance where he was transported to a local hospital with serious, non-life-threatening injuries.  Witnesses on scene were to credit for the quick life saving measures. 
 
During the initial call, a suspicious package was located on the victim’s driveway.  Based on the circumstances, the area was cordoned off and the Sonoma County Sheriff Explosive Ordinance Disposal team responded to render the device safe.  After an evaluation, the device was deemed to be a towel wrapped in the box.     
 
Detectives learned Gerald Jacinth, a 75 year old Las Vegas man, is the estranged brother-in-law to the victim.  He had parked his black Dodge car across the street from the victim’s house wearing an over the head mask resembling Donald Trump, white long curly beard and a Santa hat as he made his way up the driveway.  He had a small present in his hand as well as a duffle-bag slung around his arm.  As he approached the open garage of the victim’s home, he was met in the driveway by the victim.  The victim did not recognize Jacinth so he asked if he could help him.  Jacinth held the present up and said he had a special delivery.  Once closer, Jacinth tried to hand the present to the victim.  The victim was reluctant to take the present and refused.  There was an exchange of words and then Jacinth raised the duffle bag and shot the victim one time.  The victim turned around and tried to run into the house.  As he was retreating, the victim was shot again.  Jacinth quickly went to his car with the duffle bag and left the area.  It was within minutes, Jacinth was apprehended by responding officers trying to flee in his vehicle.  Even though the victim was suffering from two gunshot wounds, he was still able to take a photo of Jacinth getting into his vehicle as he was fleeing. 
 
Detectives are still collecting evidence as well as statements from witnesses and family members.
 
The Department of Public Safety wants to thank the residents who were displaced during the incident for their patience and understanding. We would also like to re-assure the residents in the area that their neighborhood is safe and the gunman is in custody.
 
We are thankful for the brave witness who stopped to render aid to the victim as well as those who pointed to Jacinth’s location to get him into custody.
 
Based on the sensitivity of the investigation, the exact location as well as the identity of the victim will not be released.
 
Gerald Jacinth will be booked into the Sonoma County Jail for attempted murder.