On Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 1:31 p.m., officers from the Sacramento Police Department responded to the area of 11 Avenue and San Jose Way regarding a report of loud explosions and a man seen on the street armed with a firearm.

Upon arrival, officers located the described man near the intersection of 16 Avenue and 39 Street.  The armed man pointed his weapon at officers before igniting an explosive device and fleeing the area on foot.  The device detonated but no resulting injuries were reported.

A perimeter was established and officers obtained information that the suspect had entered a home on the 4000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.  Residents of the home exited and contacted officers who confirmed that the armed suspect was still inside.

Personnel from the Sacramento Police Department’s SWAT team, Hostage Negotiations Team, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit were called to the scene to facilitate a safe resolution to the incident.  Portions of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard between 16 Avenue and 12 Avenue were shut down while officers secured the area and initiated evacuations of nearby homes.

After a sustained effort, police negotiators facilitated the peaceful surrender of the suspect who exited the home and turned himself over to officers.

A search of the home on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard was conducted and resulted in the recovery of the firearm.  The weapon is  believed to be same one possessed by the suspect when he was initially contacted by officers. 

The suspect, 36-year-old Amphone Sayabouapheth (pictured below), was arrested on multiple offenses related to the possession and detonation of a destructive device, child endangerment, and attempted murder.  He was booked into the Sacramento County Jail later that same evening.

The Sacramento Police Department encourages anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the dispatch center at (916) 264-5471 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or submit an anonymous tip using the free “P3 Tips” smartphone app.  Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

The Sacramento Police Department will continue to work in conjunction with members of the ATF and FBI to ensure a complete and thorough investigation is conducted into the crimes that were committed.