2021-11-28: 6200 block of Lemon Hill Avenue

Summary

On November 28, 2021, around 9 a.m., Sacramento Police Department (SPD) patrol officers responded to the 6200 block of Lemon Hill Avenue after multiple callers reported a man armed with a firearm who was seen pointing it at several different victims. A witness video captured the suspect, later identified as 19-year-old Jacob Armada, on the street pointing his firearm at an approaching vehicle as the vehicle backed away.

When officers arrived, they contacted witnesses who directed them to the last known location of Armada.

As they approached the apartment complex where he was last seen, the officers observed Armada walking up stairs to the second floor of an apartment breezeway. Officers began to exit their vehicles and give commands; Armada immediately turned and pointed his weapon at an officer, and they exchanged gunfire.

One officer reported being struck by gunfire. It was later discovered that a round pierced their uniform pants, nearly missing their leg. No other officers or community members were injured during this incident.

Armada fled, uninjured, from the scene, and a large perimeter was established to search for him. SPD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Crisis Negotiation, and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) teams responded to assist with the search. Officers and deputies from outside agencies also responded to assist with the search, which lasted approximately eight hours.

As the incident progressed, officers received reports of a suspicious subject within the perimeter. After an eight-hour search with the assistance of multiple agencies' helicopters and unmanned aerial systems, SWAT officers were able to locate a subject who was hiding in a trash can within the perimeter. After multiple unsuccessful attempts asking for that subject to surrender, that individual was taken into custody with assistance from a police K9. Armada's gun was recovered from within the perimeter during the subsequent investigation.

Armada was transported to a local hospital to treat minor injuries sustained during his K9 apprehension and booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail for the attempted murder of police officers, assaulting a police K9, assault with a deadly weapon, and resisting arrest.

Audio and video releases

On December 6, 2021 SPD released video and audio material related to this incident. The material consisted of one narrated video, two (2) body-worn camera videos, two (2) police in car camera videos, three (3) audio files and one (1) witness dashcam video. The material released on December 6, 2021 begins with officers' initial response and ends when the suspect flees the area on foot.

On December 20, 2021 SPD released additional video and audio material related to this incident. The material consisted of one narrated video, twenty-one (21) body-worn camera videos, four (4) in-car camera videos, seven (7) dispatch audio files, one (1) radio transmission audio file, two (2) surveillance videos, one (1) witness dashcam video, fifty-nine (59) unmanned aerial systems (UAS) videos, and three (3) helicopter videos. The material released on December 20, 2021 begins with the initial response of officers and ends when the subject 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 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 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.

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.