2020-11-14: 1600 block of Juliesse Avenue

Summary

On November 14, 2020 at approximately 6:30 p.m., Sacramento Police Department patrol officers responded to reports of reckless driving on the 1600 block of Juliesse Avenue in North Sacramento. When officers arrived on scene, they observed a boxing event at a warehouse on that block. A patrol sergeant remained in the area to conduct administrative tasks unrelated to the event.

At approximately 8:00 p.m. the sergeant observed a crowd beginning to flee from the warehouse. One witness running from the scene told the sergeant that a Hispanic male was armed with a gun. Shortly after, the sergeant heard shots being fired in the area of the warehouse. The sergeant ran towards the gunfire and confronted an armed suspect who was pointing a firearm at the crowd inside of the warehouse. The sergeant discharged his firearm, striking the suspect. The suspect was later identified as 38-year-old Augustine Morales.

Surveillance footage from the same time frame captured Morales acting erratically and recklessly waving a firearm in the direction of the crowd. The surveillance footage also captured Morales approaching the open doors of the warehouse and aiming his gun at the crowd while an unknown subject inside of the building fired a weapon in his direction. Almost immediately after, the sergeant arrived and fired at Morales.

Officers rendered medical aid to Morales until relieved by Sacramento Fire Department personnel. The suspect was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. His firearm, and a partially loaded magazine, was recovered on scene.

Officers located a victim of a shooting who had sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Based on the investigation thus far, it is not believed the victim was struck by the sergeant’s firearm. The shooter from the warehouse has not been identified at this time.

Audio and video releases

On November 15, 2020 SPD released video and audio material related to this incident. The material consisted of one narrated video, one body worn camera video, one in car camera video, one surveillance video and three dispatch audio files. The videos released On November 15, 2020 begin when the sergeant arrives on scene and end when officers begin rendering aid.

On December 8, 2020 SPD released video and audio material related to this incident. The material consisted of one narrated video, thirty-one body-worn camera videos, twenty-one in-car camera videos, three surveillance videos, and seven dispatch audio files. The material released On December 8, 2020 begin when the sergeant arrives on scene and end when the subject is transported is to a local area hospital.

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 and released records

This incident is being investigated by the Sacramento Police Department’s Homicide Unit and Internal Affairs Division. A response and 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.

The Sacramento Police Department is committed to transparency and additional records, including audio and video material, will be released as the investigation progresses.

• Documents from 20-336527 (PDF 59.9 MB)