Rancho Cordova, CA – The Rancho Cordova Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on September 18, 2015 at an undisclosed location within the city limits.  This will occur between the hours of 7:00 pm and 2:00 am.  DUI checkpoints are a proven enforcement tool effective in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol involved crashes. Research shows that crashes involving alcohol drop by an average of 20 percent when well-publicized checkpoints are conducted often enough.

Officers will be contacting drivers passing through the checkpoint for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment.  Officers will also check for proper licensing and will strive to delay motorists only momentarily. Drivers caught driving impaired can expect jail, license suspension, and insurance increases, as well as fines, fees, DUI classes, other expenses that can exceed $10,000.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while also yielding considerable cost savings.  Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence and provide the greatest safety for officers and the public.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to Rancho Cordova Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, targeting those who still don’t heed the message to designate a sober driver.

Contact: Sergeant Alex McCamy / (916) 876-6675 

Today, Sheriff Scott Jones held a press conference discussing his department’s use of cell site simulator technology (sometimes referred to as Stingray technology), and outlining a new policy for its use.  Significant points of the policy are:

• Judicial review shall take place prior to every use of the technology, absent a valid exigency (missing person, disaster response, or where death or great bodily injury may be imminent).

• All data collected will be purged after each use

Further, a copy of the non-disclosure agreement with the FBI, and a copy of new policy was handed out.

“The new policy—including the requirement for judicial review—are not required by any law or case decision, but it is of paramount importance to me and the Sheriff’s Department to maintain the public’s trust and confidence.  That was the catalyst for us to be a national leader on this issue.”

                                                                        -Sheriff Scott Jones

Sergeant Jason Ramos

Sheriff’s Spokesman

Earlier this morning (September 15, 2015), a 55-year old inmate died while in custody at the Sacramento County Main Jail. The victim had been in custody since September 13th of this year, pursuant to a commitment warrant for a theft-related charge.

Shortly before 6:00 a.m. today, deputies attempted to contact the victim via his in-cell intercom to prepare him for transfer to another custody facility. When the victim did not respond, deputies went to his cell and found him unresponsive and unconscious. Custody staff notified emergency medical personnel, then immediately began to attempt lifesaving measures on the victim. These efforts were continued until the arrival of emergency medical personnel from outside of the facility. Ultimately, all efforts to revive the victim failed and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim was housed in the cell with another inmate, but showed no visible signs of trauma and there is no foul play suspected.

The Sheriff’s Department will complete a thorough inmate death investigation in accordance with department procedure and state laws. The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office will determine a cause of death and forward its findings as prescribed by law. The identity of the deceased victim will be made by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office after notification has been made to his next of kin.    

Sergeant Jason Ramos

Sheriff’s Spokesman

Sheriff’s Homicide detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding a shooting earlier this morning that claimed the life of a young woman.

At approximately 2:45 a.m. today, deputies responded to an apartment complex in the 5900 block of Sutter Avenue regarding a woman who had been shot. Upon arrival, deputies located an eighteen year-old female victim inside an apartment and determined that she had suffered a single gunshot wound to her upper body. Deputies requested emergency medical personnel, and immediately began to attempt lifesaving measures on the victim until paramedics arrived. Ultimately, all efforts to revive the victim failed and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two other occupants believed to have been inside the apartment at the time of the incident have been detained for further investigation. The motive for this incident remains unknown, as does the relationship between the victim and the individuals who are being questioned by detectives.

Anyone having information related to this incident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at (916) 874-5115. Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com, by texting to 274637 (CRIMES) and entering the keyword ‘SSD’ or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477).

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

Sheriff’s Homicide detectives have arrested a man in connection with the fatal shooting of a woman at an apartment complex in Carmichael early yesterday morning. Kenyatta Brown, 22, was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail this morning, on a charge of involuntary manslaughter. He is currently ineligible for bail.

At approximately 2:45 a.m. on September 19, 2015, Sheriff’s deputies responded to the 5900 block of Sutter Avenue in Carmichael regarding a woman shot inside of an apartment. They discovered the 18-year old victim deceased inside an apartment, having suffered a gunshot wound to her chest.

Investigation led to the identification of Brown as the person responsible for this crime. It is believed that Brown and the victim had no pre-existing relationship, but rather ended up together at the apartment as a result of mutual acquaintances who were also there. Brown is believed to have been negligently handling a firearm in his possession, at which time he accidentally discharged it, mortally wounding the victim.

The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department will once again partner with the Drug Enforcement Agency and collect potentially dangerous, expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction on Saturday, September 26, 2015, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. There will be three collection sites within the Sheriff’s jurisdiction:

Sheriff’s Garfield Station: 5510 Garfield Avenue, Sacramento
Sheriff’s Florin Station: 7000 65th Street, Sacramento
Rancho Cordova Police: 2897 Kilgore Road, Rancho Cordova

The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are increasing at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards.

Collection sites will accept any medicines in capsule and tablet form brought in for disposal. Intra-venous solutions, injectables, and needles will not be accepted. Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not a part of this initiative.

Prescription drug abuse is a serious public health and safety issue. This take-back event is an opportunity for residents to help make their homes safer by disposing of their unused and unwanted prescription drugs. For more details, or to find a collection site near you, please visit http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/

Sacramento Sheriff’s Robbery and People Crimes detectives are investigating a home invasion robbery and shooting that occurred in the 5600 block of Hamilton Street in North Highlands.

At 5:39 a.m. this morning (September 24, 2015), the Sheriff’s Communication Center received a 911 call regarding a home invasion robbery that occurred at an apartment complex in the 5600 block of Hamilton Street.  Further information from the caller stated someone had been shot.  Sheriff’s Deputies responded and located two female victims in their 20s within the apartment.  One of the victims sustained a non-life threatening gunshot wound.  The second victim sustained injuries but it is unknown how they were caused.  Both victims were transported to local hospitals for medical treatment. 

Initial information received by officers indicates there were three male suspects, who entered the occupied apartment by force.  The suspects fled the scene with property.  The victims did not know the suspects, and no further description of the suspects is available at this time.

 Detectives are asking anyone with information relating to this incident, to please contact the Sheriff’s Department at (916) 874-5115 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP.  Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com, by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and entering the keyword ‘SSD’, or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477).

Deputy Tony Turnbull

Sheriff’s Spokesman

Earlier this morning (September 24, 2015), a 52 year old male inmate was found unresponsive and unconscious shortly before 6:00 a.m.  The inmate had been held in custody since Tuesday (September 22nd ) on a warrant for drug related charges.

Deputies were alerted by the victim’s cellmate who had woken up for breakfast.  Custody staff notified emergency medical personnel, then immediately began to attempt lifesaving measures on the victim.  These efforts were continued until the arrival of emergency medical personnel from outside the facility.  The victim was transported to the hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.  There were no signs of trauma and foul play is not suspected.

The Sheriff’s Department will complete a thorough inmate death investigation in accordance with department procedure and state laws.  The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office will determine a cause of death and forward its findings as prescribed by law.  The identity of the deceased victim will be made by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office after notification has been made to his next of kin.

Deputy Tony Turnbull

Sheriff’s Spokesman

Sheriff’s Homicide Detectives have arrested two suspects in connection with the shooting death of 45 year old Byron Darbonne which occurred last year.  Anthony Wayne Jacob, 51, was arrested in Southern California and Antjuan Sydnor, 45, was arrested in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on the murder warrant.  Both suspects were extradited back to Sacramento, and booked at the Sacramento County Main Jail on charges of murder and robbery.  Both are ineligible for bail at this time.

On September 23, 2014, at 5:45 p.m., Sheriff’s deputies responded to the 8200 block of Auberry Drive in Sacramento County, after receiving a report that a home invasion robbery had just occurred.  The female caller reported two armed male suspects entered the home and shot the male occupant of the residence.  The female was able to flee out of the back door of the residence and run to safety.  Upon clearing the residence, deputies determined the male occupant, later identified as Byron Darbonne, was deceased from a single gunshot wound. 

Detectives believe that one of the suspects had a casual acquaintance with the victim in this case, and the motive for the victim’s killing was a robbery.  There are no more outstanding suspects.

Sergeant Jason Ramos

Sheriff’s Spokesman

Sheriff’s detectives are investigating a sexual assault which occurred near the intersection of Walerga Road and Galbrath Drive near the North Highlands area of Sacramento.

On September 22, 2015 shortly after 2:00 a.m., two female adults were approached by an unknown armed suspect, who initially intended to rob them.  While brandishing the weapon, the suspect further conveyed the intention to sexually assault the victims.  The victims struggled with the suspect, and were able to break free from him.  The suspect then fled the scene on foot.

The suspect was described as a black male adult with a dark complexion, mid-20’s, approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall and 160 pounds, with a fit build and dark hair.  The suspect was observed wearing a red t-shirt and dark jeans (sketch attached).

Detectives are asking anyone with information relating to this incident, to please contact the Sheriff’s Department at (916) 874-5115 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP.  Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com, by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and entering the keyword ‘SSD’, or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477).

Deputy Tony Turnbull

Sheriff’s Spokesman

A little after 9:00 p.m. on September 26, 2015, the Sheriff’s Communication Center received a 911 call regarding an in-progress shooting in the 6700 block of Main Avenue in Orangevale.  The caller stated a man was firing several rounds from a shotgun into the air.  The caller further stated the shooting stopped momentarily then commenced again hitting an unoccupied vehicle.  The suspect then retreated into his own residence.

Sheriff’s deputies arrived on-scene and quickly established a perimeter around the suspect’s residence.  Deputies attempted to make contact with the suspect through PA announcements to no avail.  Surrounding residents were evacuated for their safety.  The Sheriff Department’s Special Enforcement Detail and Negotiations team arrived on-scene. 

At 11:15 p.m., the suspect surrendered without incident and was taken into custody.  Nobody was injured during the incident.  The suspect was identified as Wesley Martin Bennett, 61, of Orangevale.  He was arrested for weapons and vandalism charges and booked at the Sacramento County Main Jail. 

Deputy Tony Turnbull

Sheriff’s Spokesman

The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department was awarded a two-year COPS (Community Oriented Police Services) grant for the COPS Anti-Gang Initiative in the amount of $747,000.  This grant will supplement the Sheriff’s Youth Services Unit by funding two full-time deputy positions for two years.  These new positions will be added to the one sergeant and six deputies currently assigned.

The mission of the Youth Services Unit is to focus on interacting with youth throughout Sacramento County in an effort to prevent and intervene in youth gangs and violence.  They will work with community based organizations to positively impact youth in the community and actively engage in youth gang prevention and education through presentations at schools, community events, and provide opportunities to participate in youth mentoring programs and activities leagues (SAL/PAL, SCIP, etc.).  The Youth Services Unit will continue to work in collaboration with business leaders, law enforcement, faith based organizations, and community partners to deliver high-quality programs and services to foster productive lifestyles for our youth and relationships in the community. 

Through this positive influence, the goal of the Sheriff Department’s Youth Services Unit will continue to cultivate resilient, productive, and optimistic young men and women who will, in turn, be able to make positive impacts in their lives and contributions to our community.

For more information on Sheriff’s Department programs within the Youth Services Unit, you can visit the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department Youth Services Unit website (http://www.ssdysu.org/), Sheriff’s Activities League (http://www.ssdsal.org/), and Sheriff’s Community Impact Program (http://sacscip.org/).

Deputy Tony Turnbull

Sheriff’s Spokesman

Sheriff’s Narcotics detectives arrested three suspects after an early morning fire.  James Ray Jackson, 32, and Sarah Son Dome, 31, were arrested and booked at the Sacramento County Main Jail on drug manufacturing and child endangerment charges.  They are being held in-custody in lieu of $100,000 bail.  Grame Kali Kannongataa, 35, was also arrested and booked on drug manufacturing and child endangerment charges, in addition to an outstanding no bail warrant.  Two minor children have been taken into protective custody.

Shortly after 2:30 a.m. on October 1, 2015, the Sheriff’s Communication Center received a 911 call regarding the sounds of an explosion or possible shots fired near the 3100 block of Walnut Avenue in Carmichael.  Sacramento Metro Fire personnel and Sheriff’s deputies responded to the call and found a shed in back yard of a residence engulfed in flames.

Once the fire was extinguished by Sacramento Metro Fire, indications of a honey oil operation were located within the shed.  One adult involved in the honey oil operation was provided medical aid on scene for minor injuries related to the incident.

The investigation into the cause of the fire will be conducted by the Sacramento Metro Fire Department.

Deputy Tony Turnbull

Sheriff’s Spokesman

A little after 2:30 a.m. on October 1, 2015, the Sheriff’s Communication Center received a 911 call regarding the sounds of an explosion or possible shots fired near the 3100 block of Walnut Avenue in Carmichael.  Sacramento Metro Fire personnel and Sheriff’s deputies responded to the call and found a shed in back of a residence that was on fire.

Once the fire was extinguished by Sacramento Metro Fire, there were indications of a honey oil operation within the shed.  One adult involved in the honey oil operation was provided medical aid for injuries related to the fire.

Narcotics detectives were called to the scene and are in the initial stages of the  investigation regarding the nexus between the explosion and the honey oil operation.  Three adults have been detained for questioning in regards to their possible involvement in the operation.  Two minor children have been taken into protective custody.

Deputy Tony Turnbull

Sheriff’s Spokesman

Sheriff’s detectives are investigating an early morning sexual assault which occurred in the 5300 block of Diablo Drive in the North area of Sacramento.

A little after 7:00 a.m. on October 3, 2015, the Sheriff’s Communication Center received a 911 call regarding a sexual assault that just occurred.  Sheriff’s deputies responded and located an adult victim who stated an unknown male entered her house and sexually assaulted her.  The victim tried to fight off the suspect to no avail.  There was no weapon seen during the assault.  The suspect then fled the residence in an unknown direction of travel.  The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The suspect was identified as a black male adult in his 20’s.  The suspect is unknown to the victim. The suspect may have sustained injuries to his face during the confrontation.

Detectives are asking anyone with information relating to this incident, to please contact the Sheriff’s Department at (916) 874-5115 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP.  Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com, by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and entering the keyword ‘SSD’, or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477).

Deputy Tony Turnbull

Sheriff’s Spokesman

Sheriff’s detectives are continuing the investigation into the early morning sexual assault which occurred in the 5300 block of Diablo Drive in the North area of Sacramento on October 3rd.

A little after 7:00 a.m. on October 3, 2015, the Sheriff’s Communication Center received a 911 call regarding a sexual assault that just occurred.  Sheriff’s deputies responded and located the elderly female victim, who stated an unknown male entered her house through a screen door and sexually assaulted her.  The victim tried to fight off the suspect to no avail.  There was no weapon seen during the assault.  The suspect then fled the residence in an unknown direction of travel.  The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The suspect was described as a black male in his late teens or early twenties.  The suspect was described as having chin or shoulder length dreadlock hair or braids and an average build.  The suspect is not known to the victim. The suspect may have sustained injuries to his face during the confrontation.

Detectives are asking anyone with information relating to this incident, to please contact the Sheriff’s Department at (916) 874-5115 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP.  Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com, by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and entering the keyword ‘SSD’, or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477).

Deputy Tony Turnbull

Sheriff’s Spokesman

A Silver Alert has been issued for Garland Robertson, 88, who was last seen by neighbors on September 30, 2015 at approximately 2:30 p.m.  He was last seen near Amberley Way and Edison Avenue in Sacramento driving his blue 1987 4-door Honda Accord.  Robertson had recent serious health conditions and can sometimes get disoriented.

Missing Persons detectives are requesting the public’s assistance in locating Garland Robertson.  He is described as a black male, six feet tall, 180 pounds, with short gray hair and facial hair (photo attached).  Robertson drives a blue 1987 4-door Honda Accord with a California license plate ITS4GRR (photo of similar vehicle attached).

Anybody with information on the whereabouts of Garland Robertson is urged to contact the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department at 916-874-5115.

Deputy Tony Turnbull

Sheriff’s Spokesman

A little after 5:30 a.m. this morning, the Sheriff’s Communication Center received multiple 911 calls regarding multiple shots fired at an apartment complex in the 4700 block of 50th Avenue in South Sacramento.  Callers further advised of a possible victim on the ground in the center of the complex.

Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene and located a 58 year old male victim with several gunshot wounds to his upper torso.  Sacramento Metro Fire personnel arrived and pronounced the victim deceased at the scene.  Witnesses described two unknown subjects fleeing the area of the shooting on foot.  There is no further description of the subjects, and the motive of the homicide is unknown at this time.

Homicide detectives are on scene, and are in the beginning stages of the investigation.  The identity of the victim in this case will be released by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office, after notification has been made to his next of kin.

Detectives are asking anyone with information relating to this incident, to please contact the Sheriff’s Department at (916) 874-5115 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP.  Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com, by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and entering the keyword ‘SSD’, or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477)

Deputy Tony Turnbull

Sheriff’s Spokesman

The victim had just exited his apartment enroute to catch his ride with the ParaTransit bus when he encountered the suspect(s).  The victim had for the past thirty years been employed by Goodwill Industries and had the same schedule Monday thru Fridays. After numerous interviews with neighbors, there is still no additional suspect description. The victim, identified as 58-year-old Frank Davis Knight, was a long term resident of the apartment complex.

A little after 5:30 a.m. on October 5, 2015, the Sheriff’s Communication Center received multiple 911 calls regarding multiple shots fired at an apartment complex in the 4700 block of 50th Avenue in South Sacramento.  Callers further advised of a possible victim on the ground in the center of the complex.

Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene and located the victim with several gunshot wounds to his upper torso.  Sacramento Metro Fire personnel arrived and pronounced the victim deceased at the scene.  Witnesses described two unknown subjects fleeing the area of the shooting on foot.  There is no further description of the subjects or their involvement, and the motive of the homicide is still unknown.

Detectives are asking anyone with information relating to this incident, to please contact the Sheriff’s Department at (916) 874-5115 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP.  Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com, by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and entering the keyword ‘SSD’, or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477)

Deputy Tony Turnbull

Sheriff’s Spokesman

Goodwill Industries of Sacramento Valley/Northern Nevada announced they are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s) responsible for the murder of Frank Davis Knight, 58, which occurred on October 5th in South Sacramento.

Just after 5:30 a.m. on October 5, 2015, the Sheriff’s Communication Center received multiple 911 calls regarding multiple shots fired at an apartment complex in the 4700 block of 50th Avenue in South Sacramento.  Callers further advised of a possible victim on the ground in the center of the complex.

Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene and located the victim with several gunshot wounds to his upper torso.  Sacramento Metro Fire personnel arrived and pronounced the victim deceased at the scene.  Witnesses described two unknown subjects fleeing the area of the shooting on foot.  There is no further description of the subjects or their involvement, and the motive of the homicide is still unknown.

Knight had just exited his apartment enroute to catch his ride with the ParaTransit bus when he encountered the suspect(s).  The victim had for the past thirty years been employed by Goodwill Industries and had the same schedule Monday thru Fridays. After numerous interviews with neighbors, there is still no additional suspect description. Knight was a long term resident of the apartment complex.

Detectives are asking anyone with information relating to this incident, to please contact the Sheriff’s Department at (916) 874-5115 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP.  Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com, by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and entering the keyword ‘SSD’, or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477)

Deputy Tony Turnbull

Sheriff’s Spokesman