On Friday, May 4, 2018, at approximately 9:28 a.m., a uniformed officer from the Sacramento Police Department observed a parked vehicle idling, with the keys in the ignition. The officer attempted to make contact with the driver of this vehicle due to the violation of Sacramento City Code 10.36.090, Leaving ignition key in unattended vehicle prohibited. This law specifically states,

“It is unlawful and a misdemeanor for any person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle to permit it to stand unattended in any public place, or any used or new car lot, or private or public parking lot, without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition and removing the ignition key from the vehicle. The registered owner of a vehicle found in violation of this section shall be held prima facia responsible for any such violation.”

The subject was uncooperative and refused to provide his identification. The officer attempted to detain the subject and there was a brief struggle. This encounter led to the subject, 40-year-old Craig Williams, being arrested for 148 P.C.-Willfully resists, delays, or obstructs any public officer and 10.36.090 S.C.C.-Leaving ignition key in unattended vehicle prohibited.

Today, the Sacramento Police Department will release the video of this incident. The material consists of one (1) body-worn camera (BWC) video from the involved officer and three (3) surveillance videos from the business where the incident occurred. The BWC material depicts the interaction between the officer and Craig Williams until he is placed in the back seat of a police vehicle. The surveillance video includes material of moments prior to the incident until Craig Williams is detained.

All video and audio that will be released have been redacted to ensure the confidentiality and privacy of those involved. The faces have been blurred and audio redactions are signified by muted audio with no accompanying sound.

The Sacramento Police Department recognizes the significance of this event and the impact it has on our community. The release of this material is done at the discretion of the Chief of Police to inform our community of what occurred during this encounter. This incident is still being actively investigated by our department. We are dedicated to a thorough, fact-based investigation that shows our commitment to truth and integrity.

Additionally, these videos demonstrate how important it is for there to be a relationship of trust between a police department and the community it serves. When that level of trust is absent, even minor incidents - such as a warning of a city code violation – can escalate into unpleasant and even dangerous events.

The Sacramento Police Department is committed to our mission of building trust between our officers and the diverse community we serve. We are dedicated to re-establishing a relationship of trust and to ensure that we earn that trust every day, in each encounter.

The material is now available to the media and citizens through the YouTube links below which will also be posted on the Department’s website, Facebook page and Twitter account (@sacpolice)

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