By Sara Beth Williams–
What began as a carjacking in Citrus Heights resulted in the fatal shooting of the carjacking suspect by Sacramento County Sheriff’s deputies after a high-speed chase that led police onto Interstate 5.
A spokesperson for the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office told local outlets that Citrus Heights Police notified Sacramento County in the early morning hours of Tuesday that a carjacking had taken place in the city and the suspect was at large.
The suspect allegedly pointed a gun at another person in the area of Sunrise Boulevard and Madison Avenue, one outlet said, then demanded their vehicle; and threatened to kill the driver and any officers who responded.
Around 3 a.m. the suspect and vehicle were spotted on Marconi Avenue in Sacramento County, and Sheriff’s deputies gave chase. The driver continued to evade police, prompting a high-speed chase that led deputies across the county, going as far as the Sacramento International Airport, before reaching Interstate 5 at Arena Boulevard.
Authorities said the driver continually pointed a gun out of the window at deputies. Police attempted to use a tire deflation device on the vehicle, but the driver continued on. At one point, the driver ditched the vehicle in the middle of the freeway at Arena Boulevard, then pointed his gun at deputies, prompting return fire toward him from police.
Four deputies shot at the carjacking suspect, according to local reports. No one but the suspect was injured. Law enforcement attempted to give the man medical aid, but the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
Personnel involved in the shooting were put on paid administrative leave according to the department’s policy while the investigation into the officer-involved shooting takes place.
Southbound I-5 remained closed for several hours on Tuesday morning during the course of the investigation and was partially reopened midday.
