Sacramento police release information on 29th Street officer-involved killing of unarmed black man

This press release is a summary of the facts known at this time. This is an active investigation.  The information provided in this press release is preliminary and subject to change.  Additional details will be released as they become available.

On Sunday, March 18, 2018, at 9:13 p.m., officers from the Sacramento Police Department (SPD) were dispatched to the 7500 block of 29^th Street regarding a subject breaking into vehicles.  The caller stated that the male subject had broken car windows and was now hiding in a backyard.  The caller described the subject as a male, 6’1”, thin, wearing a black hoodie and dark pants.   

SPD Officers arrived on scene at approximately 9:18 p.m.  The Sacramento Sheriff’s Department’s helicopter (STAR) was on scene searching for the suspect as well.  At approximately 9:25 p.m., STAR advised they observed a subject in a backyard and began to direct SPD officers to him.  STAR advised the subject had just picked up a toolbar and broke a window to a residence.  The helicopter then observed the suspect running south, towards the front of the residence, where he stopped and was looking into another car.  STAR continued to update the officers and guided them to the suspect in the rear yard of a residence in the 7500 block of 29^th Street.  Officers entered the front yard and observed the suspect along the side of the residence.  The officers gave the suspect commands to stop and show his hands.  The suspect immediately fled from the officers and ran towards the back of the home.

Officers pursued the suspect and located him in the backyard of the residence. The suspect turned and advanced towards the officers while holding an object which was extended in front of him.  The officers believed the suspect was pointing a firearm at them.  Fearing for their safety, the officers fired their duty weapons striking the suspect multiple times. The involved officers held their position for approximately five minutes, until additional officers arrived.  Officers approached the suspect, handcuffed him and began life saving efforts.   

The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene by fire personnel.  The identity of the suspect will be released by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office once the next of kin has been notified.

Homicide detectives, Internal Affairs, and Crime Scene Investigation Units responded to the scene to begin the officer-involved shooting investigation.  As part of the department’s protocol, this incident is being investigated in conjunction with the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, the Sacramento City Attorney’s Office and the City’s Office of Public Safety Accountability. 

The two Sacramento Police Officers involved in this incident have two and four years with the Sacramento Police Department.  However, both have four years prior law enforcement experience with other agencies before joining SPD.  None of the officers involved were injured in this incident.  Per department policy, the officers involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave. 

This incident falls under the City Council policy on Police Use of Force.  As a result, the video and audio associated with this incident will be released to the public within 30 days.

Sacramento Police Media Relations · (916) 808-0808 · pio@pd.cityofsacramento.org

The Mission of the Sacramento Police Department is to work in partnership with the Community to
protect life and property, solve neighborhood problems, and enhance the quality of life in our City.