On Monday, September 11, 2017 at 9:29 p.m., a Sacramento Police Department K-9 officer, observed a subject recklessly driving a large pick-up truck northbound Marysville Boulevard.  As the officer got behind the vehicle to prepare for an enforcement stop, the truck turned eastbound on South Avenue at a high rate of speed and rammed through the closed security gate of the William J. Kinney Police Facility at 3550 Marysville Boulevard. 

Once in the parking lot, the vehicle struck a parked patrol vehicle and continued to smash through the locked emergency exit gate onto Rosalind Street.  The vehicle collided with the front gate of a residence on the south side of Rosalind Street where it came to a stop. K-9 “Reno” was deployed after the suspect attempted to flee from the vehicle.  During the deployment of the K-9, the suspect fought the dog off multiple times.  K-9 “Reno” sustained two large lacerations to his abdomen and was immediately transported to a local veterinarian hospital for treatment.  K-9 “Reno” continues to recover from his injuries and is expected to survive.

During this initial apprehension effort, 18-year veteran of the Sacramento Police Department, Officer Matthew Nichols discharged his firearm four (4) times, striking 42-year-old Fernando Sanchez one (1) time in his lower extremities.  Sanchez was able to elude capture and fled to a nearby residence where he assaulted the homeowner with a metal pipe.  After the assault, he gained access to the home where he remained held up in for several minutes. 

A short time later, the suspect re-emerged with the victim’s car keys and a second altercation occurred with the homeowner.  Officers responded, utilized their CED (Conducted Energy Device) and detained the suspect.  He was transported to an area hospital where he received treatment for his injuries. 

On September 15, 2017, Sanchez was booked into the Sacramento County Jail for robbery, attempted car-jacking, assault with a deadly weapon, evading, felony vandalism and malicious mischief charges.  He continues to recover from his injuries and is expected to survive.

Below is the original press release from the day of the incident:

https://www.sacpd.org/newsroom/releases/liveview.aspx?release_id=20170915-124

This investigation is still active so certain details can’t be released due to the on-going administrative review and criminal investigation.  Regardless, it is important to the Sacramento Police Department that the community has a full understanding of how the incident unfolded.

This investigation continues to be investigated by the Sacramento Police Department’s Homicide Unit and will be monitored by our Internal Affairs Division and investigators from the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office. The Office of Public Safety Accountability will have full access to material throughout the investigative process. 

By releasing the videos which captured the event, we believe this will benefit the community in understanding the nature of what transpired leading up to the suspect’s arrest.  The release of the video and audio files of this event fall under the City Council policy on Police Use of Force. 

Today’s release will include a total of (29) videos consisting of (17) Body Worn (BWC and (12) In-Car Camera (ICC) videos.  It will also contain dispatch audio files and radio traffic from officers during the incident. 

All video and audio files released have been redacted to ensure the confidentiality and privacy of those involved.  The faces have been blurred, as outlined by the City Council policy.  Audio redactions are signified by muted audio with no accompanying sound. 

We appreciate the community’s patience and support during this process as we conclude the initial stages of evaluating the investigative material.  These videos are now available to the public through the YouTube link below.  They will also be posted on the Department’s website, Facebook page and Twitter account (@sacpolice). 

These videos may contain graphic images and/or profane language. Disclaimer: Personal information (names, addresses, phone numbers, identities ETC.) have been redacted in the following audio/video clips to protect the privacy of those involved.

YOUTUBE LINK:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR0Wtq8JGPQaN1TsVGT-ATmqdCQ9z2r2O

 The Sacramento Police Department encourages any witnesses with information regarding the Officer Involved Shooting to contact the dispatch center at (916)264-5471 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers 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 up to $1,000.