In order to provide information quickly to our community, the Sacramento Police Department is releasing pertinent audio and video files from the September 7th officer involved shooting that occurred in the 3700 block of Redding Ave.

The material consists of one narrated video, seven body worn camera videos, three audio files, and one unmanned aerial systems (UAS) video. The material being released today begin with the initial response of officers and end when officers begin rendering medical aid.

All material 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 September 6, 2021 just before 8:15 p.m., Sacramento Police Department patrol officers responded to the 3700 block of Redding Avenue to conduct a welfare check on a known male subject in his 50’s. The reporting party stated that the male had been sending suspicious and erratic phone messages to them. During the same time frame, other officers were investigating a report of threats that possibly involved the same subject, who was identified as 53-year-old Derek Pearson.

As officers approached the residence, they observed Pearson arm himself with a rifle and load it. At that point, officers withdrew from the immediate area of the residence, established a perimeter, and attempted to contact Pearson. Officers also began to evacuate some residences in the surrounding area.

As the incident progressed, officers from the SWAT and Crisis Negotiation teams responded to assist.

Over the course of this incident, officers used various de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques which included using specialized personnel, less lethal options and equipment.  Crisis Negotiation officers made over 70 phone calls and were able to make sporadic contact with Pearson throughout the night.

SWAT officers and crisis negotiators used armored vehicles that allowed them to tactically reposition themselves. Throughout the night Pearson fired from his residence multiple times at officers who were inside of the vehicles. Some of Pearson’s rounds also struck unoccupied vehicles and school buildings across the street.

At around 5:10 a.m., almost nine hours after the initial call, Pearson emerged from the residence armed and pointed a rifle at officers. Three officers fired and appeared to strike him at least once.

Almost immediately, officers used an unmanned aerial system (UAS) to perform a visual check of Pearson from a safe distance. Officers then approached and began to administer emergency medical aid. Despite the efforts of the responding officers, Pearson succumbed to his injuries and was declared deceased at the scene by fire personnel.

After the incident concluded, multiple firearms were recovered from Pearson’s residence. No officers were injured during this incident and no injuries were reported in the surrounding community.

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.

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

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 encourages any witnesses with information regarding this incident 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.

The material used in today’s narrated summary can be viewed separately through the YouTube link below. These links will also be posted on our department’s website, Facebook page, Instagram and Twitter account (@sacpolice).

3700 Block of Redding Avenue - YouTube Playlist Link

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

Officer Involved Shooting - 3700 Block of Redding Avenue

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

Sacramento Police Department Use of Force General Order