Suspect Fatally Shot by Deputies After Car Chase Ends on Southbound I-5 in Sacramento County
A police pursuit in the early hours of Tuesday morning ended in a deadly officer-involved shooting on southbound I-5 in Sacramento County after a carjacking suspect allegedly pointed a firearm at deputies, according to authorities.
The incident began around 2:30 a.m. when the Citrus Heights Police Department reported a carjacking involving a man who allegedly threatened the victim at gunpoint, stating he would kill them and any responding law enforcement officers. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the suspect also fired at least one shot during the initial crime.
Deputies later located the suspect driving the stolen vehicle near Eastern and Marconi Avenues and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver fled, initiating a high-speed pursuit through parts of Sacramento County.
The chase continued around 3 a.m., traveling through Power Line Road and onto property near Sacramento International Airport, before merging onto southbound Interstate 5. Authorities reported that spike strips were deployed during the pursuit, likely damaging the suspect’s vehicle.
The pursuit came to an end when the suspect stopped on I-5, exited the vehicle, and allegedly pointed a gun at four deputies on scene. Deputies opened fire, striking the suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials confirmed that the suspect did not fire at deputies during the final confrontation, and no law enforcement officers were injured.
The freeway remained closed for several hours as investigators processed the scene, causing significant traffic disruptions. Drivers were detoured toward Del Paso Road while northbound lanes of I-5 remained open.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to confirm additional details surrounding the carjacking, pursuit, and shooting. Updates are expected from officials and local media outlet FOX40.