SRPD Heroes Rescue Woman After App Meetup Goes Wrong

A loaded handgun, a knife, and three suspects are off the streets thanks to a victim’s courage and the dedication of the San Rafael Police Dept.

by Admin

Oct 31, 2025

Evidence photo showing a silver and black handgun and a magazine with bullets, recovered by SRPD officers.

A peaceful Saturday evening in San Rafael took a terrifying turn, but thanks to the courage of a young woman and the swift, decisive action of the San Rafael Police Department, a dangerous situation ended not in tragedy, but in a successful rescue. What began as a meetup arranged through a mobile app quickly devolved into an alleged kidnapping, culminating in a dramatic rescue near a remote park trail and the arrest of three armed suspects.

An Evening of Terror

The incident began to unfold just before 9:45 PM on Saturday, October 11, 2025. SRPD dispatchers received a harrowing 911 call from a woman who reported she had been kidnapped and was being driven to an unknown location. The victim stated that the three men in the vehicle with her were using drugs and that one was armed with a knife. As the suspects’ vehicle moved, dispatchers expertly used GPS data from the victim’s cell phone to track her to Robert Dollar Drive, an isolated road near Boyd Memorial Park.

A Symphony of Swift Response

With a general location established, officers raced to the scene. The first officer to arrive was met not with silence but with the sound of the victim screaming for help in the darkness. Trusting his ears, the officer drove toward the screams, locating the terrified woman just as the suspects’ vehicle sped away. He radioed that the car was fleeing the scene, providing crucial information to other responding units.

This is where incredible police teamwork shone through. Officers from SRPD’s elite Crime Suppression Team, already in the area, spotted and stopped the suspect vehicle just a few blocks away. The three occupants were detained, and during a search, officers found 21-year-old Jonathan Valenzuela-Castro carrying a concealed and loaded handgun fitted with a high-capacity magazine.

The Unraveling of a Dangerous Plan

The investigation later revealed that the victim had arranged to meet the suspects via an app in San Rafael’s Canal neighborhood. Once she was in their vehicle, the men allegedly refused to let her leave and drove her to the secluded open space area. There, they prevented her from fleeing and threatened her with a knife. It was at this point that the victim managed to escape the car, call 911, and begin screaming, a desperate act of self-preservation that ultimately guided police right to her.

All three suspects were arrested and booked into the Marin County Jail on numerous felony charges. The suspects were identified as Sergio Godinez-Lopez, 24, of Vallejo; Christopher Moneroso, 21, of San Rafael; and Jonathan Valenzuela-Castro, 21, of San Rafael. The charges include kidnapping, conspiracy to commit a crime, assault with a deadly weapon, and multiple firearm violations. Valenzuela-Castro also faces a charge of assault with the intent to commit rape.

A Final Thought

This incident is a powerful reminder of the risks that lurk behind a screen, but more importantly, it is a testament to the incredible value of dedicated law enforcement. From the dispatcher who calmly tracked a moving target to the first officer who bravely followed a voice into the unknown and the tactical team that safely apprehended armed men, every action demonstrated professionalism and a deep commitment to protecting the community. Their coordinated effort brought a terrifying ordeal to a safe conclusion.

To read more stories about the brave men and women in law enforcement, visit our stories page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens when I call 911 from a cell phone?

When you call 911 from a cell phone, the dispatcher receives your phone number and an approximate location based on GPS data and cell tower triangulation. It's always important to state your exact location and the nature of your emergency clearly, as the initial location data can sometimes be a general area rather than a precise pinpoint.

2. What is the role of a Police Crime Suppression Team?

A Crime Suppression Team is a specialized unit within a police department focused on proactively identifying and targeting specific high-crime areas or patterns of criminal activity. These teams often conduct surveillance, gather intelligence, and focus on apprehending repeat or violent offenders to prevent crimes before they happen.

3. What is the legal definition of kidnapping?

In general, kidnapping is defined under the law as unlawfully seizing, confining, and moving a person from one place to another against their will, often through the use of force, threats, or deception. Laws can vary by state, with more severe penalties for kidnappings that involve ransom, injury, or the intent to commit another serious crime.

4. What are some safety tips for meeting someone from an online app?

Always meet in a crowded public place for the first few times. Inform a trusted friend or family member of your plans, including where you are going and who you are meeting. Share your location with them via your phone. Never feel pressured to go somewhere you are uncomfortable with, and always trust your instincts.

5. What does "conspiracy to commit a crime" mean?

Conspiracy is an agreement between two or more people to commit an illegal act. To be charged with conspiracy, there usually must be an agreement and at least one "overt act" taken by one of the members to further the plan. This charge allows law enforcement to hold all involved parties accountable, even if they didn't personally carry out every part of the crime.

6. What should I do if I witness suspicious activity?

If you see something that seems wrong or out of place, do not intervene directly. Move to a safe location and call the police. Provide the dispatcher with as many details as you can, such as the location, a description of the people involved, vehicle descriptions, and what specifically you observed. Your report can help officers respond safely and effectively.

7. Why are high-capacity magazines a concern for law enforcement?

High-capacity magazines, which allow a firearm to hold more ammunition than a standard magazine, are a concern for law enforcement because they enable a shooter to fire more rounds without reloading. This can increase the potential for casualties in a violent encounter and poses a greater risk to the public and responding officers.

8. What does it mean when a suspect is held without bail?

When a suspect is held without bail, it means a judge has determined that the individual poses a significant flight risk or a danger to the community if released from custody pending trial. This decision is often made in cases involving very serious violent crimes or when the suspect has a history of failing to appear in court or violating probation.