To provide information quickly to our community, the Sacramento Police Department is releasing pertinent audio and video files from the May 2nd officer-involved shooting that occurred near the 400 Block of Jibboom Street. 

This content is comprised of one narrated video. The videos begins with Sacramento Police Department Officers responding to a call for service of a domestic violence incident involving a weapon and concludes with officers rendering 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 May 2, 2025, just after 11:50 a.m., Sacramento Police patrol officers were dispatched to a report of a domestic violence incident involving a weapon. The caller reported that the suspect threw a knife at him, attempted to molest him, and stole his property. Additionally, the caller reported that the suspect had the caller’s BB gun. The caller identified the suspect as Johnny Balcorta who had a warrant. Responding officers were able to identify the suspect as 37-year-old Johnny Balcorta of Sacramento and confirmed that Balcorta had a felony no-bail warrant for his arrest.

Officers arrived on scene around 12:00 p.m. and located Balcorta, who fled on foot from officers with what appeared to be a firearm in his hand. Officers pursued Balcorta, but lost sight of him near the waterline near Matsui Park. An officer observed the suspect place the gun to his head.

Additional officers responded, and a large perimeter was established. Resources from outside agencies, including the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, West Sacramento Fire Department, and the California Highway Patrol were requested and responded to assist. Crisis Negotiators responded and called the suspect’s phone multiple times. A negotiator left a voicemail for the suspect.

For about 30 minutes, officers made announcements utilizing the Public Address (PA) system, calling for the suspect to come out of hiding with nothing in his hands and to surrender peacefully. Announcements were also made that a police K-9 would be used if the suspect attempted to flee.

After nearly an hour of officers trying to get the suspect to surrender, the suspect was seen again and ran from officers. Officers made additional PA announcements warning that a police K-9 would be deployed. The suspect was given several commands to stop, but he refused. A K-9 officer (officer #1) deployed his dog to apprehend the suspect. As the dog reached the suspect, officers observed a gun in his hand. At one point, the suspect turned toward the officers with the gun in his hand. The officers gave additional commands for the suspect to drop the gun, but he did not, and an officer-involved shooting occurred. During the officer-involved shooting, a less-lethal bean bag round was also utilized.

A California Highway Patrol helicopter was overhead as the incident occurred. The suspect could be seen striking the dog with the firearm before being detained by officers. The California Highway Patrol helicopter, which had a paramedic-trained officer on board, landed shortly after and assisted Sacramento Police Officers in providing emergency medical aid.

The suspect was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. After receiving treatment, he was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on multiple charges, including brandishing an imitation firearm, assaulting a Police K-9, resisting arrest, and his outstanding felony warrant for possession of a controlled substance.

The weapons pictured were recovered at the scene. After investigators examined them, both were determined to be imitation firearms.

This incident is being investigated by the Sacramento Police Department’s Homicide Unit, Internal Affairs Division, and Professional Standards Unit. An investigation into the incident will also be conducted by the Force Investigation Team. The investigation will focus on policy, tactics, and training as it related to the use of force. 

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 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.

Link for YouTube playlist of videos:

YouTube - Officer-Involved Shooting - 400 Block of Jibboom Street

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

May 2, 2025 - Officer-Involved Shooting - 400 Block of Jibboom Street

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

Sacramento Police Department Use of Force General Order