Sacramento, CA – A 48-year-old man was shot by Sacramento police officers on May 13, 2025 near the 200 block of North 16th Street following what authorities described as an armed confrontation.
Incident Overview
At around 9:00 a.m. officers were dispatched after receiving a call about a man brandishing a firearm. When officers arrived on scene, they reportedly encountered the man. Authorities say the man was armed with a handgun and refused commands to drop the weapon. Police allege that he moved towards the officers and told them to shoot him, prompting three officers to open fire. The man was struck and transported to a local hospital in critical condition. It would later be determined that he was in possession of a fake firearm.
Both internal affairs and the district attorney’s office will investigate this incident.
Legal Framework Governing Use of Deadly Force
California law imposes strict guidelines on when law enforcement can use deadly force. Under California Penal Code § 835a, police officers may only use deadly force when it is necessary to defend human life and no reasonable alternatives exist. Officers are also required to consider the totality of the circumstances, including whether the person is experiencing a mental health crisis.
Growing Concerns About Police Shootings in California
This shooting is one of several recent fatal incidents involving law enforcement in the Sacramento region. According to California DOJ OpenJustice data, more than 130 people were killed in officer-involved shootings statewide in 2023, many during encounters that involved behavioral health issues, homelessness, or unarmed civilians.
In cases where deadly force is used, families may have grounds to pursue civil action under 42 U.S. Code § 1983, which allows individuals to sue government officials who violate constitutional rights. Claims often involve alleged excessive force, failure to de-escalate, or other misconduct during police encounters.
Seeking Accountability for Officer Involved Shootings
We at the Sehat Law Firm were concerned to learn about this incident in Sacramento.
At The Sehat Law Firm, we are committed to helping families impacted by in-custody deaths and officer-involved shootings understand their rights and pursue justice. We advocate for transparency, reform, and meaningful change in law enforcement accountability.
If your loved one was harmed or killed during an encounter with law enforcement, our experienced civil rights attorneys are here to help. Call us today at (949) 825-5200 or submit a confidential contact form at the bottom of this page for a free consultation.
Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and should not be considered legal or medical advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary and any referenced here may not apply to your situation. This article was created from secondary sources and may not be completely accurate. If you have any concerns, please contact us, and we’ll update or remove the post as needed.
