Last evening, a uniformed Sacramento Police Officer attempted to detain a pedestrian for allegedly unlawfully crossing the street near the intersection of Grand Avenue and Cypress Street.  The solo officer, a two-year veteran of the department, exited his patrol vehicle and attempted to talk to man regarding the perceived violation.  The pedestrian questioned the officer’s validity to stop him at which time a violent encounter occurred between the officer and the pedestrian.

The initial press release of the incident that was sent out early this morning can be located at:

https://www.sacpd.org/newsroom/releases/liveview.aspx?release_id=20170411-040

The updated information related to this incident is as follows:

After the altercation with the officer, the man was handcuffed and arrested for resisting arrest and an outstanding misdemeanor warrant out of Fresno County.  While in the backseat of the patrol vehicle and before being transported to the Sacramento County Jail, the subject began to violently kick the interior of the patrol car and had to be restrained by a leg hobble.  Once at jail, the suspect continued to be physically resistive with Sheriff Deputies.    

As with any use of force and per the Department’s protocol, a Sacramento Police Sergeant responded to the scene to evaluate the situation and direct a use of force investigation. During that evaluation, a review of the responding officer’s in-car camera video (ICC) was completed.  The preliminary investigation led the supervisor to believe that there were significant policy concerns and immediately notified his chain of command.  

After a preliminary review of the in-car camera videos, reports and facts surrounding the case, it was determined that the officer’s actions appeared to be outside of policy.  Soon after, the Department also reviewed video posted on social media. The Internal Affairs Division was called to the scene to initiate an administrative investigation and to place the officer on Administrative Leave with pay. 

Additionally, investigative staff determined that there were insufficient grounds for making a criminal complaint against the pedestrian.  Because of this information, a police sergeant responded to the jail to process the paperwork required to drop the criminal charges and seek his release from custody.  At approximately 2:30 a.m. this morning, he was released from custody and issued a court date for his outstanding warrant.   

During the Department’s review of the related video and reports it was also determined that in addition to an administrative investigation into the potential policy violations, a criminal investigation into the officer’s actions was also warranted.   Both the administrative and criminal investigation will occur concurrently. The City’s Office of Public Safety Accountability is working in conjunction with investigators on this case.      

Once the criminal investigation is completed, all pertinent reports and evidence will be provided to the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office for review of the officer’s actions and for a filing decision.

The Department will also be reviewing academy and post-academy officer training to ensure that our tactics are in line with best practices nationwide. 

The actions of the involved Sacramento Police Officer are disturbing and does not appear to be reasonable based upon the circumstances.  The Sacramento Police Department holds itself to the highest professional standard and the actions that were observed are not indicative of the dedicated women and men who work for the Department.   

We recognize the significance of this incident and the importance of providing timely and factual information to the community. In the Department’s ongoing effort to be more transparent and accountable, related video which captured the event is being released.  These recordings are now available to the media and citizens through the Dropbox and YouTube links below which will also be posted to the Department’s website, Facebook page and Twitter account (@sacpolice) 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/dgwswbu64xpexwj/AACOci9nNLUVYYMFyhsY6rY0a?dl=0

Facebook video released by witness:

https://www.facebook.com/naomi.montaie/videos/1028779440585463/