This press release is a summary of the facts known at this time. This is an active investigation. The information provided in this press release is preliminary and subject to change. Additional details will be released as they become available.

On Sunday, January 6, 2019, at 2:02 a.m., a Sacramento Police Department (SPD) uniformed patrol officer was driving a marked police vehicle in the area of Vallejo Way and 5^th Street. The officer ran a license plate check of a vehicle being driven and the registration returned expired as of March 24, 2016, over two years past due. The officer activated his overhead red and blue police lights to initiate a traffic stop for expired registration.

The driver of the vehicle failed to initially pull over and the officer utilized his siren multiple times in an attempt to gain compliance. The driver parked on Seavey Circle, exited the vehicle and immediately fled on foot. The officer pursued the suspect on foot and advised via the police radio that he was in foot pursuit. During the chase, the officer lost sight of the suspect and began searching the area to locate him.

While searching the area, the officer found the suspect hiding and gave him commands. The suspect was initially cooperative, then fled on foot. The officer caught up to the suspect and took him to the ground. While on the ground, the suspect was combative, resistive and attempted to run away again. The suspect was able to get on his feet. The officer, who was standing approximately five feet from the suspect, deployed his conducted energy device (CED), pointed it at the suspect and advised him that he was going to be “tased.” At this point, the officer heard a clicking sound and the suspect stated that he was going to “shoot” the officer. The officer immediately discharged his CED at the suspect. The suspect fell to the ground after being tased. The officer approached the suspect to detain him and felt a firearm in the suspect’s hand. At that time, the officer realized that the clicking sound he had just heard was the sound of the trigger of a handgun being pulled by the suspect who had also stated that he was going to “shoot” the officer.

A violent struggle over the suspect’s firearm ensued as the suspect still had a handgun in his hand. The officer gave numerous commands to “drop the gun.” The suspect refused to comply and maintained his grip on the firearm. The officer pinned the suspect’s hand and gun to the ground to prevent the suspect from shooting him. During the struggle for the gun, the suspect bit the officer on the wrist that was restraining the firearm. This violent fight, including the struggle over the suspect’s firearm, lasted for approximately a minute and a half until additional officers arrived on-scene and assisted with removing the firearm from the suspect’s hand and safely placing him under arrest.

The suspect was detained and identified as 33-year-old Artavious Coleman. A records check showed him to have a felony warrant from out of state for failing to register as a sex offender. His firearm was determined to be a Lorcin Model L380 .380 caliber pistol. There were multiple rounds in the magazine of the handgun and none in the chamber. See attached photo of the suspect’s firearm.

The officer sustained minor injuries from the suspect during this incident. He was transported to a local area hospital and released after being treated.

It was later determined that during the struggle, the suspect pulled the trigger of his firearm and stated that he was going to “shoot” the officer.

The suspect was arrested for attempt homicide of a peace officer, felony resisting, possession of a firearm by a felon, convicted person having a concealed firearm and a felony warrant from out of state for failing to register as a sex offender. See attached photo of the suspect.

Officers conducted an initial canvas of the area for witnesses and evidence. Due to the severity of the circumstances, detectives took over the investigation which remains active.

The Sacramento Police Department recognizes the significance of this incident and the impact it has on our community. The danger posed to the officer and our community during this crime was significant and we realize this could have been much more tragic. We are grateful that no one was seriously injured. 

Today SPD will release video and audio material related to this incident. The material consists of one (3) body-worn camera videos and one (1) in-car camera video. During the violent struggle with the suspect, the officer’s body-worn camera fell off. During this time, the camera still captures audio of the incident.

Included in this video release is a 9-minute video that provides details of the incident. This video is available through this link:

_{https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xh9hFxCA-aA&feature=youtu.be}

The remainder of the material in today’s release is available through this link:

_{https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR0Wtq8JGPQaxIvf4RYcMXa-jbEpeXGDN}

All video and audio that will be released has 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 release of this material is done at the discretion of the Chief of Police to inform our community on the complex, difficult and dangerous job of our police officers. This incident does not fall under the City Council policy on Police Use of Force.