Sonoma State University

Community Crime Bulletin: Arrest (Case SS26-95)

Wednesday, June 24, 2026, 1:55pm

TO: Campus Community
FR: Nader Oweis, Chief of Police

REPORTED CRIME: On June 24, 2026, at approximately 8:15 a.m., officers from the Sonoma State Police Department responded to the Art Building for a reported suspicious person. Upon contacting the individual, James Gabriel Stevenson, 35, of Cotati, officers were able to determine that he matched the description of a suspect who may have been seen in possession of a campus-owned cart that was reported stolen on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

A subsequent investigation resulted in the arrest of Stevenson for being in possession of stolen property, a switchblade knife, illegal drugs, and drug paraphernalia.

Stevenson, who is not affiliated with the campus, was booked into the Sonoma County main jail on felony and misdemeanor charges.

The stolen cart was not located, but it is believed to be in the area.

If you know something: Anyone with information that might assist with this investigation is urged to call the Sonoma State University Police Department at 707-664-4444.
 
The Sonoma State University Police Department reminds the campus community of the following safety tips:

  • Immediately and promptly report any suspected crime, suspicious persons, or activities on campus to University Police by calling 911 or the non-emergency line at 707-664-4444.
  • If you believe that you or someone else is in an unsafe situation, please do not delay calling 911 or seeking assistance from others.
  • Be alert to your surroundings. Your actions as an active bystander can help prevent crimes from occurring within our campus community. 

You are not at fault for any harm done to you. The above safety tips are not intended to imply otherwise.

SUPPORT RESOURCES: Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is available for any student seeking support at 707-664-2153. Our Employee Assistance Program, LifeMatters by Empathia, is available for any staff and faculty seeking support. A Confidential Advocate is also available at 707-664-2698. Another resource is the Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD) which can provide supportive measures and receive complaints related to sexual misconduct, harassment, and discrimination on behalf of the university. OPHD can be reached at 707-664-4140.

Physical descriptions of a suspect or subject, including race or gender, are included in timely warnings only when they provide several details that might help distinguish the suspect’s or subject’s appearance from the general population.