Sentinel staff report–
An officer-involved shooting that followed a brief pursuit near Rusch Park left a 50-year-old suspect in critical condition on Thursday, Citrus Heights police said in a Sept. 14 news release.
Police said the shooting occurred around 3:30 p.m. Thursday after a solo officer began pursuing a Ford SUV that was reportedly “driving erratically” and in opposite lanes of traffic, according to a witness’ account cited by police. The pursuit lasted less than one mile and ended “abruptly” on the 7400 block of Summer Avenue, off Rusch Drive.
Police said a witness saw the driver of the SUV, later identified as Steven Roberts of Citrus Heights, come to a sudden stop in the driveway of a home. The witness, who was not named by police, then “saw and heard the involved officer yelling commands at the suspect and then heard the sounds of gunshots.” The officer also radioed that shots had been fired and that Roberts had been hit, according to police.
Additional units arrived on scene and found Roberts with a gunshot wound in his torso area. Officers provided first aid until medics arrived and transported him to a local hospital.
Police said Roberts’ injuries were initially believed to be non-life-threatening, but later learned he was listed in critical condition. The officer involved was not injured.
The incident is currently under investigation and police said information that has been released about the incident “is subject to change.” The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on standard paid administrative leave, pending an investigation by the Citrus Heights Police Department and the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, which reviews all cases of officer-involved shootings.
Police said Roberts is being investigated for felony evasion in a motor vehicle and driving under the influence, with additional charges possible as the investigation progresses.
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact local police at (916) 727-5500.
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