Full Notification

PRESS RELEASE

UPDATE: Brandishing of a firearm occurred on the Copeland Creek Trail near Snyder Lane For Immediate Release Case #: 22-3724

Thursday, September 29, 2022 1:00 p.m.

Contact: Deputy Chief Kevin Kilgore (707) 584-2647

On Thursday, September 22, 2022 at approximately 12:00 p.m., Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety received a call of a person who possibly brandished a firearm on the Copeland Creek Trail near Snyder Lane. The reporting person stated that a male displayed the handle of a firearm and then left the area. The male was described as 30-40 years old, light skin color, thin build, last seen wearing a black t-shirt and cargo shorts.

Public Safety Officers quickly responded to and searched the area for the male but were unable to locate him. Additionally, Public Safety Officers received conflicting information regarding the description of the male and his last direction of travel. Due to the proximity of this incident and out of an abundance of caution, school administrators consulted with Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety and placed Rancho Cotate High School, Lawrence Jones Middle School, and Richard Crane Elementary School on lockdown. After approximately 45 minutes and the determination there was no ongoing threat to the safety of the school campuses, the lockdown was lifted.

Through the investigation, Tyler David Collins (a 29-year old unhoused person) was identified as a person of interest. On Monday, September 26, 2022, Collins turned himself at the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety Main Station. After interviewing Collins, Detectives arrested him on four felony counts of 273a(a) PC – Child abuse with possible great bodily injury, one felony count of 220 PC – Assault with intent to commit rape, one misdemeanor count of 242 PC – Battery on a person, and four misdemeanor counts of 417(a)(2) – Exhibiting a firearm. Collins was transported to the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility and held on a $50,000 bond.

At this time, the firearm used in this incident has not been located. This investigation is ongoing. Anyone who may have information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Ben Kopshever at (707) 584-3352 and refer to Case #22-3724.