At approximately 10 AM on Friday, March 15, 2024, Deputies responded to an apartment on the 8800 block of Winding Way regarding the report of shots fired in an apartment. While on scene, Deputies discovered a broken window at the dispatched location when a person inside the apartment, later identified as 36-year-old Eric Smith, fired several rounds at the Deputies. One of the two responding deputies returned fire, and both were able to back away to a position of safety without injury.

Smith remained inside the apartment, while Deputies on scene called for additional resources. The Special Enforcement Detail (SED), Critical Incident Negotiations Team (CINT), K9, and several other Sheriff’s assets were dispatched to the scene.

Deputies attempted to make contact with Smith and eventually began a dialogue by phone. During conversations with CINT Deputies, Smith stated several times that he wanted law enforcement to shoot and kill him. Sheriff’s Office Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) were deployed to maintain observation of Smith, but Smith shot at one and destroyed two others.

After the initial exchange of gunfire, Smith shot toward members of SED on two separate occasions, after which SED members returned fire. Fortunately, no Deputies or civilians were injured. CINT Deputies continued to negotiate with Smith to surrender peacefully for close to seven hours, but Smith refused to exit the apartment and surrender.

At approximately 5:30 PM, SED introduced a non-lethal chemical agent irritant into Smith’s apartment. Smith exited the apartment almost immediately and surrendered without further incident. Smith had a minor gunshot wound to his arm and back, for which he was transported to the hospital and cleared for incarceration later that night. Smith was then booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail. He is ineligible for bail and is scheduled to appear in court today at 3 PM.

The investigation into this incident is still ongoing and will be conducted by the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau and Professional Standards Division, which is standard practice for any officer-involved shooting that occurs in the Sheriff’s Office’s jurisdiction. An independent review of the incident will be conducted by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office. In accordance with the Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures, the Deputies involved in the shooting will be placed on administrative leave pending the investigation.

Sergeant Amar Gandhi
Sheriff’s Spokesman

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