To provide information quickly to our community, the Sacramento Police Department is releasing pertinent audio and video files from the September 12th officer-involved shooting that occurred near the 300 Block of L Street. 

This content is comprised of one narrated video, two dispatch files, six body-worn camera videos, one Uncrewed Aerial System video, and five surveillance videos. The videos begin with Sacramento Police Department Officers responding to a call for service of an individual armed with a gun and concludes with officers providing the armed individual emergency medical aid.

All materials 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 events known to us at this time:

On September 11, 2023, at approximately 10:55 p.m., Sacramento Police Department patrol officers responded to the 900 block of J Street regarding a man armed with a gun, who possibly fired off a round. The complainant provided a detailed description of the individual. Officers arrived on scene and were unable to locate him. A police report was generated.

On September 12, 2023, at approximately 1:00 a.m., Sacramento Police Department patrol officers responded to a parking garage in the 300 block of L Street regarding a man armed with a gun and pointing it at multiple security guards. The complainant provided a detailed description of the individual matching that of the call from J Street. 

Officers arrived on scene and developed a plan before attempting to contact the individual on the 6th floor of the parking garage.

Officers drove up to the 6th floor of the parking garage and contacted the victims who were standing by.

Officers located the individual in the northeast corner of the 6th floor and developed a plan to safely move closer and began communication. Officers positioned their vehicles to provide cover as they believed the individual was still armed. After the officers were in position, the individual pointed a flashlight and a firearm at officer’s numerous times. 

After initial contact, an Uncrewed Aerial System was deployed and captured the individual pointing the firearm at officers again.

Officers communicated with the individual and asked him to put down the firearm. The individual refused to do so and again, pointed the firearm at officers who were taking cover behind police vehicles.

As officers continued their attempts to talk to the individual, officers observed him fire a single round into the air from the firearm. 

After the initial responding patrol officers attempted to make contact with the individual for several hours, officers from the Crisis Negotiation Team and SWAT Team responded to the scene to assist. Crisis negotiators began trying to talk with the individual for over an hour as they attempted to reach a peaceful resolution. During this time, officers heard the individual fire another round from the firearm.

Utilizing a magnified lens, the SWAT officer was able to view the actions of the individual who was standing on an elevated platform approximately 85 yards away.

SWAT officers formulated a plan to move a PA system in an attempt to better communicate with the individual. A SWAT officer moved from behind cover to place the equipment. When the officer moved from behind cover, the individual stood up and raised the firearm in his direction. An officer-involved shooting occurred. 

Additional officers on scene developed a plan to safely approach the individual who was still moving with the firearm close by. Officers approached the individual and rendered emergency medical aid. Despite these efforts, Sacramento Fire Personnel pronounced the individual deceased.                

This is a picture of the firearm taken from the scene (see below). The firearm is an eight-round .22 revolver and the cylinder contained 5 spent casings and 3 live rounds. 

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 Police Use of Force as well as Senate Bill 1421. As a result, all pertinent audio and video associated with this incident will be released to the public within 30 days. 

The Sacramento Police Department encourages any witnesses with information regarding this investigation to contact the dispatch center at (916) 808-5471 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.

Link for YouTube playlist of videos:

YouTube - Officer-Involved Shooting - 300 Block of L Street

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

September 12, 2023 - Officer-Involved Shooting - 300 Block of L Street

The department’s Use of Force general order can be found at the following link:

Sacramento Police Department Use of Force General Order