SACRAMENTO, Calif. (PSN) — A carjacking suspect was shot and killed early Tuesday during an officer-involved shooting on Interstate 5 following a pursuit that began in Citrus Heights, authorities said.
According to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began around 2:30 a.m. when the Citrus Heights Police Department notified dispatchers of a carjacking in their jurisdiction. The suspect, described as an adult male, allegedly took a vehicle at gunpoint, threatened to kill the victim and any responding officers, and fired at least one round during the incident.
At about 3 a.m., deputies located the stolen vehicle near Eastern Avenue and Marconi Avenue and attempted a traffic stop. The driver fled, initiating a pursuit. During the chase, the suspect reportedly pointed a firearm at pursuing deputies multiple times.
Authorities said deputies deployed a tire-deflation device, but the suspect continued driving, eventually heading southbound on Interstate 5.
The pursuit ended when the suspect stopped in the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 just north of Arena Boulevard. Investigators said the suspect exited the vehicle and pointed a firearm at deputies, prompting four deputies to open fire.
The suspect was struck by gunfire. Deputies attempted life-saving measures until personnel from the Sacramento Fire Department arrived and pronounced the suspect dead at the scene.
No deputies were injured, officials said. A handgun believed to belong to the suspect was recovered at the scene. Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s identity.
The shooting remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau and Professional Standards Division, which is standard protocol. An independent review will also be conducted by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office.
In accordance with department policy, the deputies involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
