This is a summary of facts known to us at this time. As the investigation progresses, new information may become available. 

On July 23, 2024, just before 4:30 p.m., Sacramento Police Department patrol officers responded to a welfare check in the 3600 Block of Jasmine Street. A family member reported that an individual was under the influence of narcotics and potentially going to harm himself. When officers arrived on scene, they located a male white adult (51 years old) matching the description given on the call, sitting nearby holding a knife. The individual threw the knife in the street, fled from officers, and entered a nearby parked vehicle. Officers continued to talk with the individual in an effort to de-escalate the situation. Ultimately, officers were able to remove him from the vehicle. The individual was detained in handcuffs and placed in the back seat of a patrol vehicle. As a precaution, officers requested the Sacramento Fire Department respond to evaluate the individual. The individual became unresponsive and emergency medical aid was performed by Sacramento Fire personnel. The individual was transported to an area hospital, where unfortunately he was pronounced deceased.

Due to the male having a medical emergency while detained by our officers, the department initiated a death-in-custody investigation. Homicide Detectives responded to the scene and are working closely with Crime Scene Investigators to determine the circumstances of this incident. Detectives are in the early stages of this investigation. 

The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office will release the identity of the deceased after next of kin have been 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 policy on video release. As a result, all pertinent video and audio 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.