2022-04-14: 44th Street and 23rd Avenue

Summary

On April 14, 2022, at approximately 6:42 p.m., Sacramento Police Department officers attempted to stop a vehicle driving recklessly in the area of 44th Street and 14th Avenue. The vehicle briefly pulled over but quickly drove away and led officers on a vehicle pursuit. At one point during the pursuit as officers drove around a corner, the suspect had exited his vehicle and ambushed the pursuing officers, firing a handgun at them and striking the patrol vehicle at least five times (pictured below). One officer exited the patrol vehicle and returned fire at the suspect. After the exchange of gunfire, the suspect re-entered his vehicle and continued to flee. One officer sustained minor facial injuries as a result of the shooting.

Dozens of officers from the Sacramento Police Department, as well as local outside agencies, searched the area for the suspect. With assistance from numerous resources including a police helicopter, unmanned aerial systems, and armored vehicles, officers were able to follow the suspect to the City of Folsom where the suspect’s vehicle was located abandoned.

While searching the area, officers located the suspect, 34-year-old Jose Borrego, near the Natoma Light Rail Station in Folsom. Once taken into custody, he was found to be in possession of a handgun and ammunition (pictured below). Borrego was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail for charges including attempted murder, assault with a firearm, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and evading.

Audio and video releases

On April 27, 2022 SPD released video and audio material related to this incident. The material consisted of one narrated video, three body-worn camera videos, one in-car camera video, and four privately owned surveillance videos. The videos begin with the officers’ initial response and conclude when the suspect flees the area in a vehicle.

On May 11, 2022 SPD released video and audio material related to this incident. The material consisted of one narrated video, thirty-seven body-worn camera videos, eight in-car camera videos, three police helicopter videos, three videos from unmanned-aerial systems, six audio recordings from our communications center, and five privately owned surveillance videos. The videos begin with the officers’ initial response and conclude when the suspect is taken into police custody.

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 redacted 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 County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit, the Sacramento Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division and Professional Standards Unit. A response and investigation into the incident will also be conducted by the Sacramento Police Department’s Force Investigation Team which will focus on policy, tactics, and training as it relates to the use of force.

Conclusions regarding if the actions of the officers involved are consistent with department policy, and the law, will not be made until all the facts are known and the investigation is complete.