To provide information quickly to our community, the Sacramento Police Department is releasing pertinent audio and video files associated with the Death-In-Custody incident and investigation that began on June 27th in the 2500 Block of 51st Avenue in Sacramento.

This content comprises one narrated video, three dispatch audio files, two Body-Worn Camera videos, and one mounted private surveillance video. The videos begin with Sacramento Police Department officers contacting an individual during a prowling call and conclude with officers providing the individual emergency medical aid.

All materials 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 redacted audio.

Below is a summary of events known to us at this time:

On June 27, 2023, at approximately 4:27 a.m., Sacramento Police Department patrol officers responded to multiple calls of a person possibly prowling in the 2500 block of 51st Avenue. One caller indicated they heard an unknown individual enter their backyard. Officers arrived on the scene and observed an unoccupied vehicle that appeared to have been involved in a collision near the call for service. The officers contacted an individual in the area of the calls and initiated a preliminary investigation. During the investigation, the male began experiencing an apparent medical emergency. Officers rendered emergency medical aid, including CPR. The Sacramento Fire Department arrived on the scene and transported the male to an area hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

Due to the male having a medical emergency while detained by the officers, the department initiated a Death-In-Custody investigation. Homicide Detectives responded to the scene and worked closely with Crime Scene Investigators to determine the incident's circumstances. The officers did not use force against the male, nor was he handcuffed at any point during the encounter.

It is believed that the individual was the driver of the unoccupied vehicle involved in the collision. Further investigation found that the vehicle involved in the collision was registered to the individual. The investigation confirmed that the individual did not live at the residence the officers were called to.

The Sacramento County Coroner's Office released the individual's identity after the next of kin was notified.

This incident is being investigated by the Sacramento Police Department's Homicide Unit, Internal Affairs Division, and Professional Standards Unit. 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 video releases. As a result, the 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 will not be made until all the facts are known and the investigation is complete. I will share additional details as the investigation progresses.

Link for YouTube playlist of videos:

YouTube Playlist - Death-In-Custody Investigation - 2500 Block of 51st Avenue

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

Death-In-Custody Investigation - 2500 Block of 51st Avenue