By Sara Beth Williams–
Two Citrus Heights Police officers shot a suspect Thursday afternoon who they say charged at law enforcement while holding a knife.
Around noon on Thursday, Oct. 22, Citrus Heights Police and California Highway Patrol officers in Sacramento County engaged with a suspect that had fled from law enforcement following a traffic stop. Video obtained by local news outlets show a suspect, who was surrounded by police, charging at officers, with officers engaging in gunfire and hitting the suspect.
Citrus Heights Police said in a press release late Thursday evening that while one of their patrol vehicles was returning to Citrus Heights from transporting a subject to the Sacramento County’s main jail, the officers witnessed California Highway Patrol in pursuit of a vehicle, and joined in the pursuit to help assist.
The suspect had fled a traffic stop originally conducted by California Highway Patrol, and traveled eastbound on the freeway, exiting onto Fulton Avenue. The truck came to an abrupt stop, police said, and the suspect exited the vehicle armed with a knife.
Officers attempted to deescalate the situation with less lethal options, but they weren’t effective, police said. A Sacramento County Sheriff’ Deputy also jointed the scene according to a separate press release from the Sheriff’s Office.
The suspect could be seen pacing back and forth in front of his vehicle as CHP and CHPD officers repeatedly ordered him to drop the knife, Sacramento County said. The Sheriff’s deputy deployed a less than lethal shot directly at the suspect, but the suspect did not stop, or comply with commands to lay down the weapon.
Ultimately the suspect charged at officers while armed with a knife. Two Citrus Heights Police officers discharged their service weapons striking the suspect. The suspect fell to the ground, and officers began rendering medical aid until medical personnel arrived. The injured man was then transported to a local hospital by fire personnel.
The officer involved shooting occurred in Sacramento County jurisdiction and they’re handling the primary investigation, Citrus Heights Police said.
The suspect’s identity has not been released. As of Thursday night, the suspect’s condition was listed as stable, according to law enforcement officials.
