Man fires a gun near park in Paso Robles, arrested

September 12, 2026

By JOSH FRIEDMAN

Police officers arrested a man for firing a gun near a park in Paso Robles on Friday.

After receiving a report of multiple shots fired in the area of Larry Moore Park, officers responded to the scene and located several people whom they later determined to be the victims. The victims, who ranged in age from 17 to 23 years old, were socializing near their vehicles when a man approached them unprovoked and fired several shots in their direction from a handgun, according to the Paso Robles Police Department.

The suspect then fled the scene. None of the victims suffered injuries.

Officers managed to identify the suspect as 49-year-old Michael Sobodtka. When police attempted to contact Sobodtka, he was involved in an unrelated dispute. 

Sobodtka then attempted to fight with officers. But, police managed to safely take him into custody, as well as locate and seize his firearm.

Authorities booked Sobodtka in San Luis Obispo County Jail on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, resisting an officer and domestic violence. He is currently being held without bail.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing. Investigators ask that anyone who has information about the case call the Paso Robles Police Department at (805) 237-6464 or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 805-549-STOP.