2021-09-06: 3700 block of Redding Avenue

Summary

On September 6, 2021 just before 8:15 p.m., Sacramento Police Department (SPD) patrol officers responded to the 3700 block of Redding Avenue to conduct a welfare check on a known male subject in his 50’s. The reporting party stated that the male had been sending suspicious and erratic phone messages to them. During the same time frame, other officers were investigating a report of threats that possibly involved the same subject, who was identified as 53-year-old Derek Pearson.

As officers approached the residence, they observed Pearson arm himself with a rifle and load it. At that point, officers withdrew from the immediate area of the residence, established a perimeter, and attempted to contact Pearson. Officers also began to evacuate some residences in the surrounding area.

As the incident progressed, officers from the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team and Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) responded to assist.

Over the course of this incident, officers used various de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques which included using specialized personnel, less lethal options and equipment. CNT officers made over 70 phone calls to Pearson and were able to make sporadic contact with him throughout the night.

SWAT officers and crisis negotiators used armored vehicles that allowed them to tactically reposition themselves. Throughout the night Pearson fired from his residence multiple times at officers who were inside of the vehicles. Some of Pearson’s rounds also struck unoccupied vehicles and school buildings across the street.

At around 5:10 a.m., almost nine hours after the initial call, Pearson emerged from the residence armed and pointed a rifle at officers. Three officers fired and appeared to strike him at least once.

Almost immediately, officers used an unmanned aerial system (UAS) to perform a visual check of Pearson from a safe distance. Officers then approached and began to administer emergency medical aid. Despite the efforts of the responding officers, Pearson succumbed to his injuries and was declared deceased at the scene by fire personnel.

After the incident concluded, multiple firearms were recovered from Pearson’s residence. No officers were injured during this incident and no injuries were reported in the surrounding community.

Audio and video releases

On September 18, 2021 SPD released video and audio material related to this incident. The material consisted of one narrated video, seven body-worn camera videos, three audio files, and one unmanned aerial systems (UAS) video. The material released on September 18, 2021 begins with the initial response of officers and ends when the subject is declared deceased by Sacramento Fire Department (SFD) personnel.

On October 5, 2021 SPD released additional video and audio material related to this incident. The material consisted of one narrated video, ninety-seven (97) body-worn camera videos, four (4) in-car camera videos, twenty (20) dispatch audio files, one (1) radio transmission audio file, four (4) surveillance videos, seventy-one (71) audio recordings from our Crisis Negotiating Team (CNT), and one-hundred and three (103) unmanned aerial systems (UAS) videos. The material released on October 5, 2021 begins with the initial response of officers and ends 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 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.