Natomas Shooting Suspect Dies in Fiery Crash

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

Sacramento Police are investigating a solo occupant, single-vehicle, fatal collision involving a suspect who fled from police last night in Natomas. 

The incident began on Tuesday, August 18, 2015, at 6:35 p.m., when multiple reports of a shooting assault was reported on the 2600 block of Stonecreek Drive. Police said a man reportedly fired a rifle during a dispute with neighbors.

As officers and an air unit responded to the call, a vehicle reportedly fled the scene. The car was believed to be occupied by the male suspect, an unknown female driver and the firearm used in the assault.

The air unit located the suspect vehicle and Sacramento Police ground units were directed to the vehicle’s location. Officers conducted a felony vehicle stop just West of Interstate 5 on Garden Highway.

Multiple verbal commands were given to the solo occupant who refused to shift the vehicle into park, and ultimately sped away from officers. Officers reentered their patrol cars and attempted to catch up to the suspect, with their red lights and sirens activated.

Due to the excessive speed of the suspect vehicle the lead car in the pursuit lost sight of the car. Officers then came upon the vehicle near the 2000 block of Garden Highway, no more than two miles from where it initially fled. 

The vehicle had left the roadway, overturned, struck a tree, and became engulfed in flames. Officers attempted to rescue the driver, but were overwhelmed by the fire.

Sacramento Fire Department personnel arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire. The driver, believed to be a female in her 20s, was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The male suspect from the assault report was found not to be in the vehicle. The man was ultimately detained and questioned near the original scene; although, no arrest has been made at this time.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to the original assault to contact the dispatch center at (916) 264-5471 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.