A Santa Rosa restaurant owner allegedly fired a revolver at a customer following a heated argument over payment in the early morning hours.

Police responded to reports of gunfire at Dos Culturas Restaurant on Santa Rosa Avenue just after 4 a.m. on Sunday, September 28. People reported that 48-year-old Moises Flores and a 37-year-old male customer had been drinking when their dispute over a bill escalated into violence.

The confrontation began inside the restaurant but moved outside before Flores allegedly retrieved a weapon. Investigators believe Flores went back inside to grab a revolver and then fired toward the customer.

Initial Dispute And Escalation

The argument between Flores and the 37-year-old patron started as a disagreement over payment for services or food at the restaurant. Both men had been consuming alcohol when the dispute began, according to police reports from multiple local outlets.

The conflict initially took place inside Dos Culturas Restaurant but eventually moved to the exterior of the establishment. Witnesses reported that the argument became increasingly heated before the situation turned violent.

Police investigators determined that the dispute over the bill served as the catalyst for what would become a serious criminal incident. The consumption of alcohol by both parties appears to have contributed to the escalation of tensions.

Gunfire And Near Miss

Flores allegedly went back inside the restaurant to retrieve a revolver before returning to confront the customer. Police believe he then fired the weapon toward the 37-year-old man during the outdoor confrontation.

The bullet missed its intended target but struck a parked car where a woman was sitting inside. The projectile shattered the rear window of the vehicle, though the woman inside was not physically injured.

Witnesses described hearing a single gunshot followed immediately by the sound of breaking glass. The customer told officers he had been assaulted during the fight and sustained minor injuries, though he was not struck by the bullet.

Police Response And Evidence Recovery

Officers arrived at the scene shortly after receiving reports of gunfire and began their investigation. When they searched Dos Culturas Restaurant, they discovered Flores still inside the establishment.

Police recovered the revolver and live ammunition from the restaurant's kitchen area during their search. The weapon and ammunition were collected as evidence in the case against Flores.

Authorities also interviewed witnesses who provided accounts of the incident and the events leading up to the shooting. The investigation confirmed that a single shot had been fired and that the bullet had struck the parked vehicle.

Why This Story Matters

This story is a stark reminder of how quickly everyday disputes can escalate into violence, especially when firearms and alcohol are involved. It underscores the need for responsible gun ownership and compliance with probation restrictions. For the community of Santa Rosa, it raises concerns about safety in public establishments and the importance of reporting escalating behavior before it turns violent.

Conclusion

Police say Moises Flores, 48, was arrested early Sunday morning after allegedly firing a revolver outside Dos Culturas Restaurant during a fight with a customer over a bill. The confrontation, which began inside the restaurant and ended inside the parking lot, resulted in a bullet striking a nearby vehicle with an occupant inside who was not injured.

Flores, currently on probation from a previous conviction involving alcohol and firearms, was booked into the Sonoma County Jail and faces charges including assault with a deadly weapon and probation violation. The firearm and ammunition were recovered inside the restaurant. Authorities continue to investigate and encourage community members with information to come forward.