Today, the Sacramento Police Department is releasing video footage related to an incident that occurred on April 29, 2021 in the 4500 block of Barbee Way. During the call for service, the suspect attacked officers and at different points attempted to take both officers’ firearms. With the assistance of the suspect’s father, the officers were able to safely take the suspect into custody.

The release includes one narrated video, two body worn camera videos and a full-length interview with the suspect’s father. Some videos being released have 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 videos are available in their entirety on the Sacramento Police Department’s YouTube channel.

The following is a summary of the incident.

On April 29, 2021 at approximately 1:13 p.m., Sacramento Police Department patrol officers responded to the 4500 block of Barbee Way after a member of the community reported an unknown subject had jumped a fence into the backyard of a home. The subject, later identified as 24-year-old Josiah Johnson, left the backyard prior to officers’ arrival on scene. During the investigation, the victim stated that Johnson attempted to open a door leading into her residence.

Johnson later returned to the area and the officers contacted him.  The investigation and conversation with Johnson lasted approximately 15 minutes and at one point officers even provided water to his dog that was with him. On multiple occasions during the contact, Johnson lunged at the officers and at one point fled on foot. He ran a short distance and then sat down on his own.

Shortly after, a man arrived in a vehicle and identified himself as Johnson’s father.  While the male officer was speaking with Johnson’s father, Johnson jumped up from a seated position and tackled the female officer. Johnson and the female officer fell to the ground, and Johnson’s father ran to help her. During the assault, Johnson attempted to remove the officer’s firearm from her holster. During the struggle to take him into custody, Johnson also attempted to take the male officer’s firearm.

The struggle lasted several minutes during which time Johnson bit his father’s hand and leg. Eventually, a conducted energy device (Taser) was used and with assistance from Johnson’s father, officers were able to handcuff him.

Shortly after, additional officers arrived on scene and provided aid to Johnson. Per protocol, Johnson was transported to an area hospital by fire department personnel as a precaution, where he was treated and released. Johnson was booked that same day into the Sacramento County Main Jail for felony resisting arrest charges.

One officer was transported to a local hospital for minor injuries and has since been released.

“This incident demonstrates how quickly a routine call for service can escalate into a life-threatening situation for our officers,” said Sacramento Police Department Chief Daniel Hahn. “Our officers remained professional and showed restraint throughout this violent encounter where a suspect attempted to take their firearms and the outcome could have been tragic. We are grateful that the suspect’s father assisted officers during the incident. This entire call for service demonstrates the dangers our officers can face on a daily basis, while also showing that we can come together as a community to show the compassion needed during these times.”

The videos can be viewed via the department’s YouTube channel at the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR0Wtq8JGPQZqMmTPS_z_j1nHCAarXnvW