At about 7 p.m. Saturday, police officers were sent to the Gray's Meadow apartment complex on Meadow Way just east of U.S. Highway 101 in southern Santa Rosa after receiving a report about a fight involving about 10 people.
When they arrived, police found a 16-year-old victim who was bleeding from cuts on his head and face. The Santa Rosa boy received treatment for his "relatively minor" injuries at a local hospital, police said.
Witnesses told police that a group of young men and women who had gathered in the complex's common area had become engaged in a fight. Gang-related epithets were allegedly shouted during the fight by people associated with the Norteno Street Gang, police said.
During the altercation, 23-year-old Nicholas Cacace allegedly pulled a handgun from his waistband and pointed it at the crowd, shouting at them, police said.
Cacace then allegedly struck the 16-year-old boy in the head with the gun, causing his injuries, police said. Officers detained Cacace and several other in a nearby apartment after a short search.
Cacace was later arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, police said. Police investigations indicate that he is apparently associated with the Norteno Street Gang.
Detectives from the department's Gang Crimes Investigations Team are still investigating this incident.
Anyone who witnessed the alleged fight or has any information related to it is encouraged to call the Santa Rosa Police Department Gang Crimes Investigations Team at (707) 543-3670.
