2022-08-10: 100 block of Dragonfly Circle

Summary

On August 10, 2022, just before 1 a.m., Sacramento Police Department patrol officers responded to a residence in the 100 block of Dragonfly Circle. The initial call indicated that a male suspect, later identified as Isaiah Gardner, was armed with a sword and had barricaded himself in his residence with his wife and children. Additional information was received from the wife that she was not being allowed to leave with her children.

After the initial responding patrol officers attempted to make contact into the residence for several hours, officers from the Crisis Negotiation Team and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team responded to the scene to assist. Crisis negotiators were on the phone with the occupants of the residence for over two hours as they worked towards a peaceful resolution. SWAT officers formed a hostage rescue team that would be able to quickly enter the residence to prevent the victims from being harmed.

During this time, officers learned that the suspect was holding his family hostage inside a bedroom. At approximately 7:30 a.m., as negotiations continued, sounds of distress were heard from the wife and threatening statements were heard from the suspect.

SWAT officers quickly entered the residence to rescue the hostages. They encountered the suspect holding a long sword raised next to his wife and children. One officer fired their duty weapons, striking the suspect.

Officers immediately rendered emergency medical aid, and the suspect was transported to a hospital by the Sacramento Fire Department. The suspect was later booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on false imprisonment charges. No hostages or officers were injured during this incident.

Audio and video releases

On August 23, 2022 SPD released video and audio material related to this incident. This content consisted of one narrated video, two body-worn camera videos, one dispatch audio file, and one audio file from the Crisis Negotiation Team. The videos begin when the SWAT team enters the residence and conclude when the suspect is taken into custody.

On September 1, 2022 SPD released video and audio material related to this incident. This content consisted of one narrated video, twenty-one body-worn camera videos, three in-car camera videos, six videos from unmanned aircraft systems, five dispatch audio files, and four audio files from the Crisis Negotiation Team. The videos begin when the SWAT team enters the residence and conclude when the suspect is transported by Sacramento Fire Department (SFD) personnel to a local hospital.

All video and audio released has been redacted to ensure the confidentiality and privacy of those involved. The faces and/or identifying materials have been blurred, and audio redactions are signified by muted audio with no accompanying sound. The material is available to the media and citizens through the YouTube links below:

YouTube Playlist: Initial Release

22-222841: YouTube playlist for audio and video released on August 23, 2022

YouTube Playlist: Secondary Release

22-222841: YouTube playlist for audio and video released on September 1, 2022

Status

This incident is being investigated by the Sacramento Police Department’s Homicide Unit and Internal Affairs Division. A response and investigation into the incident will also be conducted by the Force Investigation Team. The investigation will focus on policy, tactics, and training as it relates to the use of force. The Office of Public Safety Accountability and the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office are providing oversight by monitoring the investigation. The Sacramento Police Department is committed to transparency and additional records, including audio and video material, will be released as the investigation progresses.

Conclusions regarding if the actions of the officers involved are consistent with department policy, and the law, will not be made until all the facts are known and the investigation is complete.

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