The information contained in this press release is preliminary as the investigation is in the beginning stages and may change as information is gathered and witnesses are interviewed.

During the afternoon hours of September 1, 2020, Sacramento Police Department detectives were in the 500 block of Wisconsin Avenue conducting follow-up to locate a suspect who was wanted for the attempted murder of a Sacramento Police Department officer with a firearm in the north Sacramento area. The suspect was described as a white male in his 50s.  Detectives were able to confirm that the suspect was inside the residence along with multiple other occupants.

At approximately 3:42 p.m., SWAT officers and Crisis Negotiators responded and took over the scene.  Crisis Negotiators were able to contact the residents inside and had them safely exit.  At approximately 6:02 p.m., negotiators contacted the suspect, who was inside of the residence, and began negotiating for his safe surrender.  For nearly an hour, Crisis Negotiators attempted to negotiate with the suspect via phone while officers maintained a perimeter around the residence.  While on the phone, the suspect made statements to negotiators that he wasn’t going to go back to prison.

At approximately 6:52 p.m., a police helicopter observed the suspect exit the rear of the residence and run toward a perimeter officer.  The suspect was determined to be armed with a semi-automatic style handgun which was later recovered in his immediate vicinity.  The officer fired multiple rounds at the suspect, striking him at least once.

Officers assembled a contact team and began to render aid to the suspect.  Fire department personnel arrived on scene and took over CPR.  Despite these efforts, the suspect was pronounced deceased on scene.

This incident is being investigated by the Sacramento Police Department’s Homicide Unit and Internal Affairs Division. A response and investigation into the incident will also be conducted by the Force Investigation Team.  The investigation will focus on policy, tactics, and training as it relates to the use of force. The Office of Public Safety Accountability and the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office are providing oversight by monitoring the investigation.

This incident falls under the City Council’s policy on Police Use of Force as well as SB 1421.  As a result, the video and audio associated with this incident will be released to the public within 30 days. Detectives are in the process of identifying and retrieving video associated with this incident.

The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office will release the identity of the deceased after the next of kin have been notified.

The Sacramento Police Department encourages any witnesses with information regarding this shooting to contact the dispatch center at (916) 264-5471 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP (4357). Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.  Anonymous tips can also be submitted using the free “P3 Tips” smartphone app.