Sacramento County Sheriff's Department

Suspect Shoots at Deputies, Arrested after Standoff

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:57:32 GMT

An eight-hour standoff in the south part of Sacramento County ended yesterday evening with the arrest of a suspect who shot at Sheriff’s deputies attempting to serve an arrest warrant on him. William Hearn, 29 (see attached photo), was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on charges of assault with a deadly weapon (firearm) and for his active warrant. He is being held on $85,000 bail at this time.

Shortly after 3:30 p.m. on January 31, 2012, Sheriff’s deputies went to the Meridian Apartments in the 7400 block of Stockton Boulevard. Information was that Hearn, who had a felony warrant for his arrest, was at an apartment at that location. Deputies went to the apartment with the intention of executing the arrest warrant on Hearn.

As deputies approached the apartment, a subject inside slammed the door shut. Deputies knocked several times on the door while demanding entry into the apartment. The door opened, and the deputies proceeded inside. Once inside the apartment, they contacted several individuals who were gathered at the location. A male adult, later identified as Hearn, was in a rear bedroom armed with a shotgun. As deputies tried to identify the individuals inside the apartment, Hearn emerged from the room he was in and pointed the shotgun at the deputies.

One of the deputies directed Hearn to drop the weapon. Hearn kept the shotgun pointed in the direction of the officers, and failed to comply with the directives given to him. Fearing imminent danger to his life and to the lives of others in the apartment, the deputy fired one round from his duty weapon at Hearn, and then began to retreat out of the apartment. As deputies were backing out of the apartment, Hearn fired two shotgun rounds at them. Neither shot struck any of the officers. The deputies successfully exited the apartment, and immediately established perimeter containment outside of the apartment building.

Deputies immediately ordered the occupants inside the apartment to come out. Within the first couple of moments, five people, not including Hearn, exited the apartment. These subjects related to deputies that Hearn remained inside the apartment, along with a teenage female who was believed to be Hearn’s daughter or stepdaughter.

Additional officers, including members of the Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Detail (SED or “SWAT”) and the Critical Incident Negotiations Team (CINT) descended upon the scene. Teams of officers were deployed to conduct evacuations from apartments directly adjacent to, or in the line of fire from, the target apartment.

Over the next several hours, CINT members established and maintained intermittent phone contact with Hearn. Deputies tried to convince Hearn to surrender as they spoke with him throughout the afternoon and into the evening. Deputies also spoke with the female teenager inside the apartment with Hearn. It was determined that the female had remained inside on her own accord, and was not being held hostage or against her will by Hearn.

As the evening progressed, negotiators enjoyed varying levels of cooperation from Hearn. At approximately 8:30 p.m., Hearn was provided with some food that he had requested. As more time went by, negotiators enjoyed less success and it became obvious that positive progress toward a peaceful resolution to this incident was not being made.

Shortly before 11:00 p.m., with the assistance of an engine truck from the Sacramento Metro Fire Department, a water cannon was employed to displace the windows of the apartment that Hearn and the juvenile female had sequestered themselves in. As this was taking place, Hearn fired his shotgun out of the apartment, in the direction of the officers outside. Approximately fifteen minutes later, Hearn fired another shotgun round toward the deputies who were out in the complex. No deputies were struck by the gunfire.

At approximately 11:25 p.m., Hearn fired a third shotgun round from the apartment outside in the direction of the officers. In an effort to get Hearn and the female subject to exit the apartment, SED team members deployed chemical agents/tear gas into the apartment through the open window bays of the residence. A minute later, the front door of the apartment opened, and the female came out. She immediately surrendered to deputies and was detained and taken safely away from the apartment. The female subject was not injured.

As the female subject was being detained, Hearn dropped the shotgun in front of the doorway and walked back and forth in and out of the front door on several occasions. Deputies directed Hearn to throw the shotgun off of the balcony, to minimize the risk to themselves. After some initial hesitation, Hearn complied with the deputies’ directives and relinquished the shotgun. He was then immediately taken into custody, and found to be uninjured. Hearn was transported to the Main Jail and booked into custody without further incident.

Investigation into this incident will be conducted by the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau and the Professional Standards Division, which is standard practice for any officer-involved shooting that occurs within the Sheriff’s Department’s jurisdiction. In accordance with the Sheriff’s Department’s policies and procedures, the deputy who fired his weapon, a 39 year-old/14-year veteran, will be placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of this investigation.

Deputy Jason Ramos,
Sheriff's Spokesman

Officer Involved Shooting in Galt

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:39:57 GMT

Shortly after 2:00 a.m. today, Sheriff’s deputies responded to assist the Galt Police Department regarding a burglary alarm call at a coffee shop in the 10400 block of Twin Cities Road. Deputies arrived at the location within minutes of the call having been broadcast.

Upon their arrival outside of the business, deputies observed a vehicle with its engine running, backed into a parking stall directly outside the business door. The glass door and window of the business had been shattered, and one of the deputies observed a male subject inside the business. One of the deputies responding to the scene observed a second male subject running westbound from the business upon officers’ arrival.

Two of the deputies parked outside, and proceeded through the broken door into the business. At that point, the male suspect behind the counter began to run toward the back of the business. Deputies directed him to stop, and the suspect ignored the commands, changing direction and running toward the front door and toward one of the deputies. One of the deputies, who was further inside the business than the other, observed an item in the suspect’s hand as he ran in the direction of the other deputy.

The suspect was ordered to stop and show officers his hands, but he refused to adhere to the directives. As he approached the front door and one of the deputies, the second officer believed that the suspect posed an imminent threat with the item that was in his hands. The deputy fired his weapon at the suspect, striking him once in the upper body and once below the waist. Despite being wounded by gunfire, the suspect was able to run out of the business in an attempt to flee from the deputies.

Deputies chased the suspect, a 27-year old male, outside and were able to take him into custody in the parking lot. Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene, and transported the wounded suspect to an area hospital. He went into surgery, and his injuries were believed to be potentially life-threatening.

Additional officers descended upon the area and established a perimeter as they searched for the suspect who was observed running from the business. At approximately 3:15 a.m., that suspect was found and apprehended as he hid underneath a motor home in front of a residence on a nearby street. That suspect, a twenty-two year old, sustained a bite from a K9 unit, and was transported to a hospital for treatment of his injuries. He was expected to be booked into custody on burglary charges after being medically cleared for incarceration. The suspect who was the victim of the gunshot wounds will be booked also, upon being released from the hospital.

Investigation of this incident will be conducted by the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau and Professional Standards Division. In accordance with Sheriff’s Department policies and procedures, the deputy involved in the shooting, a 40-year old/11-year veteran of the department, will be placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

Deputy Jason Ramos,
Sheriff's Spokesman

Suspect Sought in Shooting / Attempted Robbery

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:31:24 GMT

Sheriff’s detectives are trying to identify the suspect in an attempted robbery and shooting at a Domino’s Pizza in Carmichael earlier this week. On Monday evening, January 23rd, at approximately 8:40 p.m., a man walked into the location at 7000 Fair Oaks Boulevard and demanded money at gunpoint from an employee. The employee was unable to open the cash register fast enough, at which point the suspect stepped backward and shot the employee once in the upper body. The suspect then fled on foot without obtaining any money.

The employee was treated for his non-life threatening injury, and was expected to survive. The suspect in this case is described as a white male, between 20-25 years old, approximately six feet tall with a thin build. He wore a black ski mask and black hooded jacket during the incident.

Anyone having information regarding the identity of the suspect in this case is asked to call the Sheriff’s Robbery Bureau at (916) 874-5051 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Deputy Jason Ramos,
Sheriff's Spokesman

Suspect Arrested in Fatal Park Shooting

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:25:58 GMT

Sheriff’s Homicide detectives have arrested a suspect in the fatal shooting yesterday of 59 year-old Steven Ebert at Hagan Park in Rancho Cordova. Dupree Barber, 47 (see attached photo), was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail this afternoon on a charge of murder, and is being held without bail.

On January 23, 2012, shortly after 6:00 a.m., Sheriff’s Deputies responded to Hagan Park in the 2100 block of Chase Drive regarding a gunshot victim. An employee arriving for work at the location discovered an adult male, later identified as Steven Ebert, who had sustained gunshot wounds to his upper body. Paramedics responded to the location and pronounced Ebert deceased.

Early in the investigation, detectives received information that led them to Barber as a possible suspect. A vehicle connected to Barber was found in close proximity to the crime scene, which exacerbated detectives’ interest in him.

At about 10:00 a.m. this morning, Homicide detectives responded to West Sacramento, where Barber had initiated contact with a patrol officer. Barber told the officer there that he believed authorities in Sacramento were looking for him. When detectives arrived at Barber’s location, he agreed to accompany them back to Sacramento County to speak with them about this incident. Barber was ultimately arrested based on information received during the investigation, and evidence collected from the scene.

Investigation revealed that Barber was a former employee of the park district that Ebert worked for, and that Ebert had been one of Barber’s supervisors in the past. Detectives believe that Barber’s loss of employment was directly related to his motive behind the commission of this crime.

Deputy Jason Ramos,
Sheriff's Spokesman

Sheriff's "SIRENS" Program to Go Live

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:29:38 GMT

On January 24, 2012 at 10:00 a.m., the Sheriff’s Inmate Release Elective Notification System (SIRENS) program will go live. This program will replace the existing VINELink (Victim Information and Notification) Everyday) program. Members of the public can register with this web-based program to receive phone calls, text message or e-mail notifications of inmate releases from Sacramento County jails.

SIRENS is a free automated and anonymous service for crime victims and other concerned citizens. Registration information is available at www.sacsheriff.com or by calling the Sacramento County Main Jail public information line at (916) 874-6752.

Deputy Jason Ramos,
Sheriff's Spokesman

Fatal Shooting at Hagan Park

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:44:49 GMT

Shortly after 6:00 a.m. today, Sheriff’s deputies responded to Hagan Park in the 2100 block of Chase Drive regarding a gunshot victim. An employee arriving at the location for work discovered an adult male who had sustained gunshot wounds inside a vehicle stopped in the parking area. Upon arrival, deputies discovered the victim, a male who appeared to be in his 50s, unresponsive inside the vehicle. Paramedics responded to the location and pronounced the man dead.

It appeared that victim’s vehicle had been struck with numerous gunshots, and that the victim sustained numerous gunshot wounds to his upper body. Homicide detectives and CSI personnel responded to the location to commence an investigation. No information regarding any suspect(s) associated with this incident was available.

The identity of the victim will be released by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office after notification has been made to his next of kin.

Anyone having information regarding this crime is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at (916) 874-5115, Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP, or send a text message tip to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Deputy Jason Ramos,
Spokesman
Sacramento County Sheriff's Department/
Rancho Cordova Police Department

Sheriff's Dept to Cease Coverae in Isleton

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:24:19 GMT

At 8:00 p.m. this evening, the Sheriff’s Department will relinquish the responsibility for law enforcement services in the city of Isleton to the Isleton Police Department. At 5:00 p.m. on January 12, 2012, the Sheriff’s Department assumed the primary role of responding to emergency calls involving imminent danger to life or posing an immediate threat to public safety. This arrangement was coordinated by Isleton Police Chief Steve Adams and Sheriff Scott Jones, due to a set of circumstances within the city pertaining to workers’ compensation coverage for public safety employees.

The aforementioned situation has since been rectified, and Sheriff Jones and Chief Adams, who remained in contact with each other during the past week, arranged with each respective agency to ensure a seamless transition of responsibility. Effective immediately, calls for service from the residents of Isleton will be dispatched back to the Isleton Police Department.

Deputy Jason Ramos,
Sheriff's Spokesman

Third Suspect Arrested in Cold Case Homicide

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:08:22 GMT

Shortly after 10:00 a.m. today, Sheriff’s Homicide detectives arrested 28 year-old Christopher Strong in connection with the shooting deaths of Sean Aquitania and his infant son, Sean, Jr., in September of 2007. Strong was taken into custody at a residence in San Mateo, transported back to Sacramento, and booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on a charge of murder. He will be held without bail.

On September 14, 2007, at 1:57 p.m., Sheriff’s deputies responded to the call of an injured baby at the corner of Country Greens Court and First Draw Way in south Sacramento. Deputies discovered an eight-month old baby with a gunshot wound to his head. The baby, later identified as Sean Aquitania, Jr., was transported to a local hospital and died of his injury.

Further investigation led deputies to a residence in the 8400 block of Country Greens Court where they found 21 year-old Sean Aquitania, the baby’s father. Aquitania suffered two gunshot wounds to his upper body and died at the scene. Investigators believe that Aquitania and his infant son happened upon the scene of a home-invasion robbery, at which time the shootings took place.

An outstanding suspect in this case had been described as an African-American male with a round face and stocky build. Strong is believed to be this suspect. Investigators believe that Strong was inside the residence during this incident, and was an active participant in the events that led to these murders. Two other suspects have been arrested in connection to this case. Donald Ortez-Lucero, 27, was arrested in Oakland on October 10, 2011. Richard Noguera, 34, was arrested in Sacramento on October 14, 2011.

Detectives believe that they have now arrested all suspects in this case, and are not looking for any additional outstanding persons. Nonetheless, anyone with information pertinent to this case is asked to call Sheriff’s Homicide Detective Brian Meux at (916) 874-8486.

Strong’s booking photograph will be released when it becomes available.

Deputy Jason Ramos,
Sheriff's Spokesman

Woman Found Dead in Rio Linda

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:36:09 GMT

At approximately 4:15 p.m. today, Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call of a deceased woman in the 2600 block of Q Street in Rio Linda. A caller stated that two men were in the street at that location, yelling about a woman found dead inside of a vehicle.

Deputies arrived on the scene, at which time paramedics had already responded and pronounced the woman deceased. The victim, an adult female in her 40s, was found in the driver’s seat of a small sedan parked on the shoulder of the roadway. There were no obvious signs of trauma to the victim, and preliminary investigation showed no obvious cause of death.

Homicide detectives and CSI personnel responded to conduct an investigation. At this time, the incident has not been classified as a homicide. Investigators will await word from the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office as to the official cause of death. The identity of the woman will be released by the Coroner’s Office after proper notification has been made to her next of kin.

Deputy Jason Ramos,
Sheriff's Spokesman

Officer-Involved Shooting in North Highlands

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:12:28 GMT

On January 17, 2012, shortly before 10:00 p.m., Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 9-1-1 call from a private residence in the 6200 block of San Martin Street in North Highlands. A male caller stated that his son was acting violently with other family members and throwing items around inside the house.

Upon arriving at the residence, the first responding deputy made contact with the subject of the call inside the house. The subject, a male in his 20’s, immediately confronted the deputy in an aggressive manner and became verbally confrontational. The deputy attempted to calm the subject down, but was forced to try and take evasive action as the man advanced aggressively toward him. The man tackled the deputy to the floor and landed on top of him.

Once they were on the ground, the suspect began swinging his fists wildly at the deputy, punching him several times in the head and face with closed fists. The deputy attempted to get the suspect off of him, but was unable to do so. During the assault, the suspect began grabbing at equipment on the deputy’s gun belt while continuing to punch the deputy.

Fearing for his life, and having been injured by the suspect’s continued assault, the deputy drew his service weapon and fired several shots at the suspect, striking him in the upper body. The deputy immediately requested emergency medical personnel, who responded to the location along with other officers. The suspect was transported to a local hospital, where he died as a result of his injuries. The deputy was also transported to a hospital to receive treatment for injuries sustained to his head and face. Several family members of the suspect were inside the home at the time, but none were injured.

In accordance with the Sheriff’s Department’s policies and procedures, the deputy involved in this incident, a thirty-one year-old/eight-year veteran of the department, will be placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

The identification of the shooting victim will be made by the Sacramento County Coroner’s office, once proper notification has been made to his next of kin.

Deputy Jason Ramos,
Sheriff's Spokesman