On Wednesday, June 06, 2018 at approximately 1:45 p.m. a Sacramento Police Officer driving a marked patrol wagon was on scene at the Volunteers of America Detoxication Center at 700 N 5^th Street. The primary responsibility of officers working the patrol wagon assignment is to proactively patrol and respond to calls involving intoxicated people and homeless related matters. A Sacramento County Mental Health Clinician was riding with the officer to assist with mental health related issues.

While on an unrelated call at the detox center, the SPD Officer was contacted by Parole Agents from the State of California, Department of Corrections. The parole agents approached the SPD Officer and stated that they had a subject (male black adult in his 30’s) in custody and needed a marked police vehicle to transport him to jail. The SPD Officer agreed to assist the agents with this request.

The SPD Officer approached the subject, who was handcuffed and laying on the floor. The officer and parole agents assisted the subject to his feet, walked him to the rear of the patrol wagon and placed him inside.

The officer began to transport the subject with the agents following in their vehicle. The patrol wagon is equipped with video monitoring equipment, so the driver can view the rear passengers. During the transport, the officer monitored the subject.

As the officer approached the jail, he observed through the monitor that the subject had stopped moving. The officer became concerned, parked the patrol wagon in the jail entry way and went to check on the subject. The officer opened the door and discovered the subject was unresponsive. He requested emergency medical assistance.

The officer evaluated the subject’s condition and vital signs. After retrieving first-aid equipment, the officer and parole agent began administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). CPR remained in progress until the Fire Department arrived and took over medical care. The subject was transported to a local area hospital where he was pronounced deceased by a physician.

Due to the subject having a medical emergency while being transported by the Sacramento Police Department, a death in custody investigation was initiated. Homicide Detectives, Internal Affairs, and Crime Scene Investigation Units responded to the scene to begin the 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. 

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.