2020-11-04: Park City Court

Summary

On November 4th, 2020, the Sacramento Police Department (SPD) call center received multiple calls regarding a disturbance occurring in an apartment on Park City Court in South Sacramento. One of these callers alleged several family members were currently being held hostage in an apartment. Call takers also received a call from a male inside the same apartment, claiming he was being stabbed by another male. Additionally, that same caller reported that the other male was armed with a firearm in addition to a knife.

When officers arrived, they identified the apartment where the assault was occurring and could hear a male screaming. Officers observed an injured male on the ground with a large amount of blood around him. The male suspect was also seen actively assaulting the man with a knife. One of the first arriving officers fired his rifle in defense of the victim, striking the suspect.

Officers deployed an unmanned aerial system to ensure no additional victims or suspects remained in the apartment. After the residence was deemed safe to enter, officers formed a contact team to approach the suspect, who was later declared deceased at the scene. The suspect was later identified as 52-year-old Michael Wright.

A large knife was recovered near the suspect. The victim was transported to a local hospital and was found to have sustained multiple serious stab wounds during the assault. The victim was treated for these injuries and has since been released from the hospital. There were no other individuals located inside of the apartment.

Audio and video releases

On November 12, 2020 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, one unmanned aerial system video and 10 dispatch audio files. The videos released on November 12, 2020 begin with the initial response of officers and end when the suspect is declared deceased by fire personnel.

On November 25, 2020, SPD supplemented its public release of audio and video material related to this investigation to include: one narrated video, 51 body-worn camera videos, 25 in-car-camera videos, one surveillance video, one unmanned aerial system video, and 11 audio files. The timeframe for this release begins with the initial response of SPD officers and ends when the suspect, Micheal Wright, is pronounced deceased by fire personnel on scene.

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.