In order to provide information quickly to our community, the Sacramento Police Department is releasing pertinent audio and video files from the March 23rd officer involved shooting that occurred in the 5900 block of Tangerine Ave. The material consists of one narrated video, two body worn camera videos, one surveillance video, one in car camera video, six dispatch audio files, one radio transmission audio file, and three unmanned aerial systems (UAS) video. The videos being released today begin with the initial response of officers and end when the officers take the suspect into custody.

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.

Below is a summary of the facts known to us at this time.

On Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at approximately 11:56 p.m., Sacramento Police Department patrol officers responded to the 5900 block of Tangerine Ave regarding a report of sounds of shots being fired that was made by a community member.  The caller did not provide a suspect description.

While officers were checking the area, one officer observed a subject, later identified as 32-year old Joshua Hippard, walking in the street. The officer illuminated Hippard and attempted to contact him. Hippard approached the police vehicle and fired multiple rounds into the open passenger side window, one striking the officer in the abdomen and one striking the driver’s seat. The officer jumped out of the vehicle and returned fire, striking Hippard.

Hippard then fell to the ground while still holding his firearm. Additional officers arrived and began giving commands for Hippard to drop the weapon. He complied but refused to distance himself from it.

While officers were issuing commands, Hippard reached for the firearm multiple times. In order to safely detain him, officers from the Sacramento Police Department SWAT and Crisis Negotiation teams responded to assist. Over the course of several hours, multiple de-escalation techniques were used. Hippard refused to move away from his gun so members from the SPD Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit used a specialty robot to move the loaded .45 caliber Glock pistol out of his reach.

With the firearm out of reach, officers were then able to safely approach Hippard, detain him, and render medical aid. Personnel from the Sacramento Fire Department arrived to take over his medical aid and transported Hippard to a hospital for treatment. Hippard has since been booked at the Sacramento County Main Jail on several charges, including attempted murder. Subsequent investigation determined that prior to officers’ arrival on scene, Hippard fired his gun at an occupied moving vehicle in the area.

During the negotiations, the initial responding officer was transported to a local hospital for his injuries. The officer’s vest protected him from critical injury, and he has since been released from the hospital.

“This incident is an example of how quickly a routine call for service can escalate to a potentially deadly situation for our officers,” said Sacramento Police Department Chief Daniel Hahn. “We are fortunate that the officer’s body armor protected him from further serious injury.  Furthermore, our officers showed extreme professionalism and restraint by using de-escalation techniques to take a violent suspect into custody.”

This incident is being investigated by the Sacramento Police Department’s Homicide Unit and Internal Affairs Division.  The Office of Public Safety Accountability and the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office are providing oversight by monitoring the investigation.

Conclusions regarding if the actions of the officers involved are consistent with department policy, and the law, will not be made until all the facts are known and the investigation is complete.

The Sacramento Police Department is committed to transparency and additional videos will be released as the investigation continues. The material that is available now can be viewed through the YouTube link below.  These links will also be posted on our department’s website, Facebook page and Twitter account (@sacpolice).

Officer Involved Shooting 21-78997 YouTube Video Playlist

The original press release for this incident can be found at the link below:

Officer Involved Shooting 21-78997 Original Press Release

The department’s use of force general order can be found at the link below:

Sacramento Police Department Use of Force General Order