OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTING: FEBRUARY 9, 2023
*The information provided below is preliminary as the investigation into this incident remains on-going. Some details may change as supplemental information is gathered and additional witnesses are interviewed.*
On February 8, 2023, a carjacking occurred in the 100 block of Stanford Avenue in north Sacramento. During this incident, the victim stated that a masked suspect forcibly stole their vehicle and fled the area. A crime report was taken following the carjacking and the vehicle’s license plate was entered into a police database.
On February 9, 2023, at approximately 9:42 a.m., a Sacramento Police Department patrol officer located the victim's carjacked vehicle parked near Cantalier Street & Baseball Alley. The officer approached the vehicle and located one individual inside it who was later identified as Clayton Freeman. The officer gave the suspect numerous commands, but the suspect refused to follow them. As the suspect continued to ignore commands, he gained access to the driver side area and started the vehicle. The officer utilized a Conducted Energy Device (Taser) multiple times in an attempt to take him into custody, but it was ineffective.
As this struggle was occurring, a second officer arrived on scene. As the second officer exited his patrol vehicle to assist the first officer, the suspect gained control of the carjacked vehicle and accelerated forward. The suspect drove the vehicle into the second officer and his patrol vehicle.
A third officer and her partner arrived on scene to assist the first two officers. The suspect then rammed a second patrol vehicle. Immediately after, the suspect reversed and struck the second officer’s patrol vehicle again. At this time, two officers on scene discharged their duty firearms, striking the suspect at least one time. The suspect fled the scene in the carjacked vehicle which was later located in the 500 Block of Las Palmas Avenue. The suspect arrived at an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and was subsequently taken into custody by responding officers. The injured officer was later transported to an area hospital. He was treated and released for a leg injury.
On February 13, 2023, after receiving medical clearance, Freeman was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail for assault on a peace officer (California Penal Code Section 245(C)) and carjacking (California Penal Code Section 215(A)).
PRESS RELEASES
VIDEOS
On February 24, 2023 SPD released video and audio material related to this incident. This content consisted of one narrated video, three body-worn camera videos, and one in-car camera video. The videos begin when Sacramento Police Department officers contact a carjacking victim and conclude when officers begin to provide medical aid to an injured officer.
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 February 24, 2023
On March 9, 2023 SPD released video and audio material related to this incident. This content consisted of one narrated video, seventeen body-worn camera videos, nine in-car camera videos, three surveillance camera videos, one cell phone video recorded by a witness, three 911 phone call recordings, and one dispatch audio file. The videos begin when Sacramento Police Department officers contact a carjacking victim and conclude when an officer takes the suspect into custody at 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 link below, which was also posted on the Department’s Facebook page and Twitter account (@sacpolice):
YouTube playlist for audio and video released on March 9, 2023
STATUS
This incident is being investigated by the Sacramento Police Department's Homicide Unit, Internal Affairs Division, and Professional Standards Unit. An examination also will be conducted by the Department’s Force Investigation Team. This investigation will focus on policy, tactics, and training as it relates to the use of force.
The Office of Public Safety Accountability, the City of Sacramento Inspector General and the Sacramento County District Attorney's Office are providing oversight by monitoring the investigation.