The following is a press release from the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:
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.
Woah, that’s crazy.
Alcohol. The most legal, most celebrated,most dangerous intoxicant and the cash crop of our county. With sprawling ranches of alcohol grapes worked by traumatized, impoverished and displaced people who can’t afford the wine they grow but only cheap malt liquor, what do you expect?
I would love to see an article about Mexican laborers being the base of the agricultural economy of Mendocino County. Seems a pertinent topic given this is what’s grown with PG and E dam water, since Mendocino isn’t a sanctuary county, because of the past racially motivated comments on this site, because it’s the elephant in the room.
Thank you for stating the obvious. I’m Native American. As a small child, my mother was witness to blatant segregation in Ukiah Ca. Only the Chinese restaurants would cater to them. So, Ukiah is no different than the Deep South.
Support the right to keep and bear arms, even for drunks and drug abusers. Sure, things can go wrong but that is the price of free dumb people walking around and voting. Be safe, you all. Party on, lock and load. Keep your powders dry.
Good advice from the drug fueled welfare capital..lol.