Suspect Pronounced Deceased at the Scene in Officer-Involved Shooting

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - On October 26, 2020, at approximately 1:30 PM, the Citrus Heights Police Department responded to the 8100 block of Twin Oaks Avenue for the report of a male causing a neighborhood disturbance.  Shortly after arriving on scene, the officers encountered a 64-year-old white male adult who pointed a firearm at them.  A responding officer, seeing the firearm pointed at him, fired his service weapon at the suspect.  The suspect then fled inside his home, where he barricaded himself.  

Officers quickly surrounded the home, and crisis negotiation officers attempted to contact the suspect to de-escalate the situation.  Believing the suspect may be in possession of additional firearms, the Citrus Heights Police SWAT team responded to the scene.  Neighbors in close proximity to the suspect’s residence were evacuated or asked to shelter in place out of an abundance of caution.  The responding officers facilitated announcements over a loudspeaker, asking the suspect to come outside in order to bring a peaceful resolution to this incident.  

At approximately 5:20 PM, the suspect went outside into the backyard of his residence, pointed a firearm directly at one of the police officers who was on-scene, and the suspect discharged his firearm at the officer in an obvious attempt to shoot him. Fortunately, the suspect’s bullet missed the police officer.  The officer, whom the suspect shot at, simultaneously returned fire, which struck the suspect.  Officers took the suspect into custody and immediately began rendering medical aid.  The suspect ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

There are no outstanding suspects or threats to the public resulting from this incident.  The Officer-Involved Shooting is being investigated by the Citrus Heights Police Department Special Services Division, the CHPD Professional Standards Unit, and the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office.

“Any loss of life is tragic, and our thoughts go out to the loved ones, family and friends of the deceased in this situation. The Citrus Heights Police Department works closely with our community to bring incidents such as this to a peaceful resolution whenever possible, and we thank our community for their support by evacuating or sheltering-in-place when we recommend.” – Ronald Lawrence, Citrus Heights Chief of Police.