Sacramento County, California — A domestic violence investigation turned into a deadly highway pursuit Sunday morning after Sacramento County Sheriff’s deputies shot and killed a suspect who allegedly fled from law enforcement on Interstate 80.
According to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began around 10 a.m. when deputies responded to reports of a woman running through a neighborhood near Zinfandel Drive and McGregor Drive, bleeding and pleading for help.
Authorities said the woman desperately tried to enter nearby homes before one resident allowed her inside and contacted law enforcement.
Woman Reportedly Escaped After Days of Alleged Abuse
When deputies arrived, the woman told investigators she had been held and violently assaulted by her ex-husband over several days.
According to Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Ed Igoe, the alleged abuse was severe.
“Assault is an understatement,” Sacramento County spokesperson Ed Igoe said. “Had violently beaten her the past three days. That includes being pistol-whipped and choked until she went unconscious.”
Investigators said the woman told deputies she survived by pretending to be dead after losing consciousness, allowing her alleged attacker to leave before she escaped in search of help.
Authorities also learned from the victim that the suspect allegedly carried a firearm and was believed to be armed at all times.
Deputies Located Suspect Before Highway Pursuit Began
After speaking with the victim, deputies searched the home where the alleged assaults reportedly occurred but did not find the suspect.
Authorities later located a vehicle believed to be driven by the suspect near Fair Oaks Boulevard and Kenneth Avenue.
Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, but officials said the driver fled, leading law enforcement on a chase that eventually reached eastbound Interstate 80.
The pursuit ended near the highway weigh scales, where deputies opened fire on the driver.
Suspect Pronounced Dead at the Scene
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office said the suspect died at the scene after the deputy-involved shooting.
Officials have not released the suspect’s identity, and authorities have not disclosed what occurred immediately before deputies fired their weapons.
The sheriff’s office confirmed no deputies were injured during the incident.
As is standard procedure following an officer-involved shooting, the deputies involved have been placed on administrative leave while investigators review the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Investigation Continues Following Highway Closure
The shooting prompted authorities to shut down all eastbound lanes of Interstate 80 near the scene for several hours while investigators processed evidence.
Officials have not announced when the roadway investigation concluded or whether additional information, including body camera footage or the suspect’s identity, will be released.
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains active, and additional details are expected as investigators continue reviewing the incident.
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