In order to provide information quickly to our community, the Sacramento Police Department is releasing important audio and video material from the officer involved shooting that occurred in the 500 block of Wisconsin Avenue on September 1, 2020.  The material consists of one narrated video, one body-worn-camera (BWC) videos, one helicopter video, two dispatch audio files and one Crisis Negotiation audio file.  The videos being released today begin as the suspect, Albert Wheeler, begins to exit the rear of the residence and ends when officers approach Wheeler to render medical aid. All videos being released from this incident have been redacted to ensure the confidentiality and privacy of those involved. Faces have been blurred and audio redactions are signified by muted audio. 

On August 4th, 2020, officers responded to reports of a disturbance on the 1200 block of Rivera Drive in North Sacramento. The suspect was reported to be armed with a firearm and suicidal. 

While officers were in pursuit of the suspect, a Sacramento Police Department sergeant responded to the original scene to check on the welfare of the reporting party. Seconds later, the suspect drove down Rivera Drive towards the sergeant and his marked patrol vehicle. As he passed by, the suspect fired multiple rounds at the sergeant, striking the patrol vehicle twice. Further investigation revealed that Wheeler had fired at multiple officers during the pursuit.  

The suspect in this incident was identified as 50-year-old Albert Wheeler. 

Wheeler remained outstanding for nearly a month. On the afternoon of September 1st, 2020, officers were on the 500 block of Wisconsin Ave conducting follow-up to this incident. Detectives confirmed that Albert Wheeler was inside a residence on this block.  

SacPD Officers, SWAT, and Crisis Negotiators responded and safely evacuated the other occupants of the residence, leaving only Wheeler inside. Crisis Negotiators made contact with Wheeler and negotiated for nearly an hour for his safe surrender. During the negotiations, Wheeler made multiple statements that he wasn’t going back to prison. 

The Sacramento Police Air Unit spotted Wheeler running from the residence toward an officer stationed on the perimeter of the scene. The in-car-camera footage shows Wheeler holding the firearm and aiming it at the officer multiple times while running towards him.  The officer fires multiple rounds as he backs away from Wheeler.  The officer trips and falls to his back.  The officer stands up and discharges an additional round while Wheeler is still pointing the firearm in his direction. 

A SacPd K9 was also deployed shortly after Wheeler was observed running from the residence. 

Helicopter footage shows the semi-automatic handgun in the immediate vicinity of Wheeler as a contact team approached him. The firearm was identified as a 9mm Beretta and was loaded with 15 rounds. 

SacPD officers rendered medical aid until Sacramento Fire Department personnel arrived and took over the officers’ life-saving measures. Albert Wheeler was declared deceased on-scene.  

Additional videos being released today include those from the original incident on August 4th, 2020. These videos consist of one body worn camera and one in car camera video depicting the original incident of Wheeler shooting at a Sacramento Police Department Sergeant. 

This incident is still under investigation. The Sacramento Police Department is committed to transparency and additional videos will be released as the investigation continues. 

The material is now available through the YouTube link below. These links will also be posted on our department’s website, Facebook page and Twitter account (@sacpolice). 

YouTube Playlist: 

20-233265: Officer Involved Shooting in the 500 Block of Wisconsin Ave.

Links to the original press releases: 

August 5th: Attempted Homicide on an Officer – 1200 block of Rivera Drive 

September 1st: Officer Involved Shooting – 500 block of Wisconsin Avenue