2023-08-15: 3800 Block of 24th Street

Summary

On August 15th, 2023, at approximately 5:07 p.m., Sacramento Police Department patrol officers responded to the 3800 Block of 24th Street regarding reports from multiple callers indicating there was an individual armed with a large knife acting erratically on a Regional Transit train.

Prior to the officer’s arrival, dispatch received two calls from passengers of the Regional Transit train advising of a person on the train with a knife.

Officers arrived on scene. Officer #1 responded to the RT train while Officer #2 retrieved his department issued less lethal bean bag shotgun, then responded to assist Officer #1.

The individual stood up, holding the knife. Officer #2 discharged his less lethal bean bag shotgun at the individual. The use of less lethal was ineffective. The individual stood up and charged at officers while still armed with the knife. Officer #1 discharged his firearm.

The individual stood up a second time still holding the knife. Officer #2 discharged his firearm.

After officers discharged their firearms, they requested fire personnel, a medical kit, additional resources, and developed a plan for a safe approach. After approximately three and a half minutes, officers approached the individual, removed the knife from his person, and began rendering medical aid.

Officers continued rendering medical aid until Fire personnel arrived on scene. Despite those efforts, the individual was pronounced deceased on scene.

Audio and video releases

On August 30, 2023, SPD released video and audio material related to this incident. This content consisted of one narrated video, two dispatch audio files, four Body-Worn Camera videos, and one Regional Transit platform surveillance video. The videos begin with Sacramento Police Department officers checking the area for an armed individual and conclude with officers providing the armed individual emergency medical aid.

On September 12, 2023 SPD released additional video and audio material related to this incident. This content consisted of one narrated video, thirty-five body-worn camera videos, fourteen in-car camera videos, seventeen Regional Transit surveillance camera videos, three  dispatch phone call recordings, and one dispatch radio recording. The videos begin with officers checking the area for an armed individual and conclude when the subject is declared deceased by Sacramento Fire Department (SFD) personnel.

All video and audio released has been redacted to ensure the confidentiality and privacy of those involved. The faces and/or identifying materials have been blurred, and audio redactions are signified by muted audio with no accompanying sound. The material is available to the media and citizens through the YouTube links below:

Status

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 relates 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.