SANTA ROSA (KRON) — The Santa Rosa Police Department responded to a 9-1-1 call from a 15-year-old reporting a domestic dispute between her parents Wednesday that ended tragically.
The girl told police that her father was armed with a knife and was threatening suicide as he argued with her mother. The juvenile sequestered herself in a locked room with her two younger brothers, ages 10 and 4, as she spoke to dispatchers. The juvenile also reported her father had cut his torso earlier in the day with a knife, while making suicidal statements.
Three officers arrived at the home located in the 2800 block of Apple Valley Lane, and made contact with the father, 38-year-old Roberto Hernandez and his wife.
According to police, Hernandez immediately armed himself with a knife and cut his own throat. In an effort to keep Hernandez from injuring himself, one of the officers fired a taser at him with minimal or no effect.
Hernandez continued stabbing himself in front of officers until he collapsed and died. None of the other family members was injured.
Due to the circumstances surrounding Hernandez’ death, the Santa Rosa Police Department invoked the Sonoma County Employee-Involved Fatal Incident Protocol. The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene to assume the investigation.
According to the Santa Rosa Police Department, the three involved Santa Rosa Police Officers have been placed on paid Administrative Leave.