MEDIA ADVISORY/NEWS RELEASE
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DATE: "March 10, 2025"
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Incident Number:
2025-4803
Crime/Incident:
273a(a) PC - Child Abuse
246.3 PC - Negligent Discharge of a Firearm
11370.1(a) HS - Possession of a Controlled Substance / Armed with Loaded Firearm
Location:
3400 block of Ruddick Cunningham Road in Ukiah, CA
Date of Incident:
03-08-2025
Time:
04:05 A.M.
Victim(s):
2-year-old male from Ukiah, CA
People of the State of California
Suspect(s):
Lucio Romero-Ortiz (31-year-old male from Ukiah, CA)
Written By:
Sergeant T. Del Fiorentino #2725
Synopsis:
On 03-08-2025 at approximately 04:05 A.M., Deputies with the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office were dispatch to the 3400 block of Ruddick Cunningham Road in Ukiah, CA, for a report of an accidental shooting. Sheriff's Office Deputies arrived on scene and began rendering medical aid to an adult male who suffered a gunshot wound injury and was identified as Lucio Romero-Ortiz of Ukiah, CA. Medical personnel with the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority arrived on scene a short time later and began advanced medical treatment.
Deputies began an investigation into the shooting and learned the gunshot wound to Romero-Ortiz was self-inflicted and unintentional. MCSO Deputies continued their investigation and discovered evidence that Romero-Ortiz was intoxicated and discharged a firearm several times in close proximity to another residence where small children were present. Romero-Ortiz then entered a residence while still in possession of the firearm and an adult female was inside the residence with her 2-year-old child. Romero-Ortiz unintentionally discharged the firearm within feet of the female and her young child. When the firearm was discharged, the projectile stuck Romero-Ortiz in the leg causing him to need immediate medical treatment and he was ultimately transported to an out-of-county hospital.
Based on information, observations, and statements obtained during the investigation, Sheriff's Deputies believed key pieces of evidence were being concealed from them hindering their investigation. The property was secured in anticipation of a search warrant, which was obtained and served. Additional evidence was located to include suspected controlled substances. During the investigation, Deputies developed probable cause to believe Romero-Ortiz was in violation of 273a(a) PC (Child abuse), 246.3 PC (Negligent discharge of a firearm), and 11370.1(a) HS (Possession of a controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm).
This is an ongoing investigation that will be forwarded to the Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office for review once the investigation has been completed. Anyone with information pertaining to this investigation is asked to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office at 707-463-4086 (option 1). Information can also be provided anonymously by calling the non-emergency tip line at 707-234-2100.
Approved by:
Captain Quincy Cromer #2651
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