Domestic violence suspect killed by police in Santa Rosa standoff ID’d

(KRON) — A 20-year-old man made threatening posts to social media during a six-hour police standoff that ended with him being shot and killed by a Santa Rosa Police Department SWAT officer, according to new information released Thursday by the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office.

Matteo Ramirez-Santos, 20, of Santa Rosa, was identified as the man killed by police

after an alleged Aug. 13 incident of domestic violence against his ex-girlfriend at the home of his ex-girlfriend’s parents.

Prior to the fatal police shooting, Ramirez-Santos was wanted for domestic violence with injury, assault with a deadly weapon, death threats, victim intimidation and false imprisonment. He had existing arrest warrants for possessing a machine gun, possessing a firearm without a serial number, robbery, and conspiracy, according to authorities.

“He was also identified as a documented member of a criminal street gang,” the sheriff’s office said.

Santa Rosa police responded on Aug. 13 at 10:12 p.m. to the victim’s parents’ house on the 900 block of Keegan Drive on the report of a man armed with a firearm. Arriving officers found that the 19-year-old victim, the victim’s two parents, and a 2-month-old baby that the victim and the suspect share had evacuated to outside of the home.

The victim, who was visibly injured, told officers that Ramirez-Santos struck her in the back of the head with a firearm. “She further stated that Ramirez-Santos pointed a gun at her head, threatening to kill her and any responding officers if she reported the incident to authorities,” the sheriff’s office said.

Ramirez-Santos was allegedly involved in another incident of domestic violence with the same victim on Aug. 2, less than two weeks earlier.

As Ramirez-Santos remained barricaded inside the home, the Santa Rosa PD SWAT and Hostage Negotiations Teams were unsuccessful in their attempts to talk with him, according to authorities.

“During the standoff, Ramirez-Santos made statements threatening to commit violence via text, phone calls, and social media posts to friends and family,” the sheriff’s office said.

One social media post from Ramirez-Santos that was released by investigators stated, “I’m sorry yall I love all my ppl but the cops have my house surrounded ima take one with me.”

At 4:53 a.m., more than six hours into the standoff, the SWAT team deployed chemical agents in an attempt to get Ramirez-Santos out of the home, according to authorities. Minutes later, police said Ramirez-Santos was spotted near the front door before appearing to extend his left hand out the door and firing a gun at officers.

SRPD SWAT Officer Sean Keaney, an 11-year police veteran, was inside an armed vehicle that was positioned in front of the home as the incident unfolded. As Ramirez-Santos suddenly dashed out of the house toward police while allegedly holding a gun, officers shouted that he was armed. Keaney fired a single shot from the vehicle’s turret, fatally wounding the suspect.

No officers or bystanders were hurt. Ramirez-Santos was pronounced deceased at 4:57 a.m.

The sheriff’s office said investigators are continuing to review evidence, including body-worn camera footage, surveillance videos and witness statements. Officer Keaney remains on paid administrative leave as part of department protocol.