Death In-custody: June 27, 2023
Summary
On June 27, 2023, at approximately 4:27 a.m., Sacramento Police Department (SPD) patrol officers responded to multiple calls of a person possibly prowling in the 2500 block of 51st Avenue. One caller indicated they heard an unknown individual enter their backyard. Officers arrived on the scene and observed an unoccupied vehicle that appeared to have been involved in a collision near the call for service. The officers contacted an individual in the area of the calls and initiated a preliminary investigation. During the investigation, the male began experiencing an apparent medical emergency. Officers rendered emergency medical aid, including CPR. The Sacramento Fire Department arrived on the scene and transported the male to an area hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
Due to the male having a medical emergency while detained by the officers, the department initiated a Death-In-Custody investigation. Homicide Detectives responded to the scene and worked closely with Crime Scene Investigators to determine the incident's circumstances. The officers did not use force against the male, nor was he handcuffed at any point during the encounter.
It is believed that the individual was the driver of the unoccupied vehicle involved in the collision. Further investigation found that the vehicle involved in the collision was registered to the individual. The investigation confirmed that the individual did not live at the residence the officers were called to.
Press Releases
Released Video and Audio Records
On July 13, 2023 SPD released additional video and audio material related to this incident. This content consisted of one narrated video, three dispatch audio files, two Body-Worn Camera videos, and one mounted private surveillance video. The videos begin with Sacramento Police Department officers contacting an individual during a prowling call and conclude with officers providing the individual emergency medical aid.
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 link below, which was also posted on the Department’s Facebook page and Twitter account (@sacpolice):
YouTube playlist for audio and video released on July 13, 2023
On July 20, 2023 SPD released additional video and audio material related to this incident. This content consisted of one narrated video, three dispatch audio files, six body-worn camera videos, one in-car camera video, and six mounted private surveillance videos. The videos begin with Sacramento Police Department officers contacting an individual during a prowling call and conclude when the subject is transported to a local area hospital 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 link below, which was also posted on the Department’s Facebook page and Twitter account (@sacpolice):
YouTube playlist for audio and video released on July 20, 2023
Status
This incident is being investigated by the Sacramento Police Department's Homicide Unit, Internal Affairs Division, and Professional Standards Unit. The Office of Public Safety Accountability and the Sacramento County District Attorney's Office are providing oversight by monitoring the investigation.