New details emerge in officer-involved shooting in Citrus Heights

By Sara Beth Williams–
The Citrus Heights Police Department released new details regarding an officer-involved shooting that occurred Monday between a Citrus Heights Police officer and a man threatening people with a knife.

On Monday, April 21, shortly after 10:30 a.m., Citrus Heights Police officers responded to reports of a male armed with a knife threatening people in the shopping plaza off Lichen Drive and Antelope Road, according to an April 21 press release. After locating the subject, later identified as 28-year-old John Angel Marmol Elias, the officers engaged with the suspect in an attempt to “deescalate” the situation.

“Elias began running toward an officer with the knife still in his hand. One Citrus Heights Police Officer fired his duty weapon, striking Elias,” the news release confirmed, adding that after the suspect was disarmed, officers provided medical aid and then Elias was transported to the hospital with “non-life-threatening injuries.”

After investigators discovered that Elias had attempted to carjack a victim at knifepoint in the parking lot just prior to officers arriving on scene, Elias was subsequently arrested on charges of attempted carjacking.

The Citrus Heights Investigation team, along with investigators from the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, are investigating the officer-involved shooting according to the media release. Per department policy, the officer involved in the shooting has been placed on paid administrative leave and their identity will not be released at this time while the incident is under investigation. No officers were injured as a result of the incident.

This continues to be an active investigation, and additional charges are likely to be filed, police said. Anyone with information about this crime, or any Citrus Heights crime, is encouraged to contact the Citrus Heights Police Department Crime Tip Line at 916-727-5524.