https://www.facebook.com/CitrusHeightsPD/videos/1149608075778804
By Mike Hazlip—
The Citrus Heights Police Department on Thursday released partial body camera video from the fatal January 13 officer-involved shooting near Carl’s Jr. on Antelope Road.
The video includes recordings of a 911 dispatch operator communicating with a caller who said a man was possibly “overdosing” and pointing a gun. An officer arrived and ordered the man to put down the gun.
In the video, the officer can be heard telling the suspect to “Drop it. If you reach for it, you’re going to get shot,” as the man bends over. The officer then yells several times: “Do not reach for it, drop it,” before firing his service weapon at the suspect at least three times.
Part of the video is obscured by the door fame of the police vehicle. The man, later identified as 30-year-old Alexander Joseph Bogusz, was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead. A relative contacted by The Sentinel declined to provide comment.
Police also included a portion from a witness video appearing to show the man pointing a gun at the officer. An unloaded .38 caliber revolver was found at the scene, and the suspect was in possession of ammunition for the gun, police said.
The incident marks the first instance of Citrus Heights police releasing body camera video in an investigation, as the department did not issue body-worn cameras for its officers until late last year. Attorney Stewart Katz told ABC10 the video is an effort to encourage transparency, but added he would like to view the unedited video when it becomes available.
Related: Citrus Heights council approves $570k contract for police body cameras
The Citrus Heights City Council approved a $570,000 five year contract for body cameras last September, according to a previous report by The Sentinel. The agreement with San Diego-based LensLock provided a minimum of 90 cameras and unlimited secure data storage. The contract also includes 24 hour technical support and automatic replacement every 30 months, and a “no questions damaged an broken” replacement policy.
At the time, Police Chief Alex Turcotte, who was then serving as a commander, told The Sentinel the cameras would be used to enhance transparency and “also be an effective educational tool for the community.”
In Thursday’s video, Turcotte said the purpose of releasing the footage was to show the community an overview of the incident. He also said the shooting will be reviewed by the Sacramento District Attorney’s office, and pledged the department will always seek ways to improve service “and prevent tragedies from occurring wherever possible.”
