Man Sentenced for Dutton Plaza Shooting in Sonoma County

The 43-year-old was convicted after attempting to shoot two people at a shopping center before his weapon jammed, prosecutors said.

Mar. 5, 2026 at 6:08pm

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Steven Strawn, a 43-year-old Santa Rosa man with a history of violent offenses, was sentenced to 50 years to life in state prison this week following his conviction on multiple counts, including two counts of attempted murder, the Sonoma County District Attorney's Office announced. The charges stem from a September 2024 incident at the Dutton Plaza shopping center where Strawn allegedly pulled out an illegal assault rifle and fired at two people before his weapon jammed.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence and the need for stricter gun control measures, especially when it comes to repeat offenders with a history of violent crimes. The incident also raises concerns about public safety in shopping centers and the broader community.

The details

According to prosecutors, Strawn was harassing patrons at the Dutton Plaza shopping center before being asked to leave. As he sat in the passenger's seat of a Pontiac driven by his friend Jared Ambrose, Strawn pulled out an illegal assault rifle and fired at two people - one who had intervened and another who was taking a picture. Both victims escaped injury because Strawn missed and his weapon subsequently jammed. An officer located Strawn shortly after in a nearby parking lot, attempting to clear the jammed round from the rifle at the open trunk of the Pontiac. A search of Strawn and Ambrose's residences uncovered a cache of 12 additional firearms, gun parts and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.

  • The incident occurred in September 2024.
  • Strawn was convicted in November 2025.
  • Strawn was sentenced this week in March 2026.

The players

Steven Strawn

A 43-year-old Santa Rosa man with a history of violent offenses who was convicted and sentenced to 50 years to life in state prison for attempted murder, assault with an assault weapon, possession of an assault weapon, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Jared Ambrose

Strawn's friend who was driving the Pontiac during the shooting incident and was also arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and shooting from a vehicle.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold repeat violent offenders accountable and keep our communities safe.”

— Sonoma County District Attorney

What’s next

Ambrose's case is still pending and the judge will determine if he will also receive a lengthy sentence.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of gun violence and the need for stronger gun control measures, especially when it comes to repeat offenders with a history of violent crimes. It also underscores the importance of public safety in community spaces like shopping centers.