
Sacramento Sheriff
@sacsheriff • 93,802 subscribers
Official X page for the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office. If you want to report an emergency, please call 911. Our non-emergency number is 916-874-5115.
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In a nationwide first, a drone was successfully used to disarm an armed suspect, helping bring the incident to a safe resolution. Sacramento Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Detail (SWAT) had the residence surrounded. The known felon and Parolee-At-Large was seen earlier with a firearm. After not responding to negotiators, a drone was deployed inside the residence. Drone pilots located the suspect hiding in a corner of a garage. One of his hands was concealed under his body, and the other was holding a knife. He was obviously alive, but not responding. Was he pretending to be dead or simply lying in wait for deputies to approach? Rather than rush into a potentially deadly encounter, one drone pilot came up with an innovative solution. By attaching a powerful magnet to the drone, the pilot was able to safely remove the knife from the suspect’s hand before deputies moved in. It was an incredible display of creativity, skill, and precision by the drone pilot. It’s also worth noting that our drones are labeled as “military equipment” (even though anyone can purchase them at their local Walmart), but are really just another piece of technology helping deputies resolve dangerous situations safely. Their use protects both law enforcement personnel and suspects.
Sacramento Sheriff1,114,872 views • 1 month ago

PUBLIC SAFETY ALERT The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office is warning our community about an increase in jewelry distraction thefts occurring throughout Sacramento County and surrounding areas. The suspects carrying out these crimes often appear friendly and non-threatening, using conversation (such as asking for directions), fake gifts, hugs, "blessings," or requests for assistance to distract victims while secretly removing valuable jewelry. Suspects often replace stolen jewelry with fake items and use force in some cases. The majority of victims have been: • Older adults (ages 50–70+) • Asian community members • Both men and women have been targeted Recent incidents have been reported at and near: • Costco • Sam's Club • Walmart • Lowe's • Home Depot • 99 Ranch Market • SF Market • Other high-traffic business areas There have been instances where suspects have followed victims home before committing the theft. Keep expensive jewelry covered or leave it at home whenever possible. Never allow strangers to place jewelry, scarves, or gifts around your neck. Be cautious of unsolicited hugs, blessings, or unnecessary physical contact. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in parking lots and shopping centers. If something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts and leave the area. If you become a victim or witness suspicious activity, report it immediately. If the crime is occurring, call 911. For non-emergency reporting, contact the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office at 916-874-5115. Preserve any evidence left at the scene, such as fake jewelry. Make note of vehicle and suspect descriptions. Help us spread the word by sharing this post with your family, friends, and neighbors. Awareness is one of the best ways to prevent these crimes.
Sacramento Sheriff49,493 views • 20 days ago

SACRAMENTO SHERIFF ORGANIZED RETAIL THEFT DETECTIVES ARREST BUSTS PAWN SHOP SCHEME Between December 2025 and April 2026, a suspect targeted multiple Home Depot and Lowe’s stores across Sacramento County and neighboring counties. Detectives have linked approximately 50 thefts to the same suspect, with losses exceeding $20,000. Detectives with the Organized Retail Crime Unit learned the suspect primarily stole high-value power tools and immediately sold them to local pawn shops, including North City Pawn, Action Loan & Pawn, and Gold-n-Pawn, for cash. Through surveillance, search warrants, and follow-up investigation, Detectives identified the suspect as 35-year-old Anthony Vargas. Investigators determined Vargas made it a daily routine to steal in the morning, then rotate pawn shops selling brand new items in the box, with little to no questions asked. Surveillance showed pawn shop employees reviewing repeated, identical items from Vargas’s truck before purchase. Search warrants at pawn shops recovered over $10,000 in stolen merchandise and indicated the scope of thefts may be greater than initially known. Vargas was arrested for multiple counts of PC 487 (Grand Theft) and PC 490.4 (Organized Retail Theft), with bail set at $100,000. On April 15, 2026, he was released on his own recognizance with pre-trial probation, ordered to stay away from all Home Depot and Lowe’s locations in Sacramento County. Within hours of release, Vargas stole a $650 DeWalt table saw from another Home Depot and sold it to a different pawn shop. Detectives quickly located him in South Sacramento, arrested him again, and recovered the stolen item. A judge has since approved a $250,000 bail enhancement. Vargas was also booked for driving on a suspended license and his truck was impounded. His criminal history includes theft, firearms offenses, felon in possession of a firearm, narcotics, and DUI. The investigation remains ongoing. Detectives believe additional pawn shops may be involved. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office at (916) 874-5115.
Sacramento Sheriff165,128 views • 3 months ago

Meet 30-year-old Austin Carter, a rapist, registered sex offender, and parolee-at-large with a violent criminal history and prior barricaded suspect incidents. Unbeknownst to deputies on scene, once he knew the the Special Enforcement Detail (SWAT) was on scene, he consumed all of his drugs! More importantly, meet Buster! Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office's new robotic K9 platform. This operation showcases how technology, training, and innovation can come together to resolve a dangerous incident safely. Negotiators made repeated attempts to establish communication and have Carter, who was seen earlier with a firearm, surrender peacefully. They received no response. As deputies worked to resolve the incident safely, our SCOUT Team (Sheriff Craft Observation Utilizing Technology) deployed a drone inside the residence. The drone located Carter in a corner of the garage. Although he was obviously alive, he was unresponsive. One hand was hidden beneath his body while the other was holding a knife. Was he playing possum, or was he possibly unconscious? Recognizing the danger of sending deputies into a confined space with an armed suspect, deputies devised an innovative solution. By attaching a powerful magnet beneath the drone, they were able to safely remove the knife from Carter’s hand. This was a first in the nation, the use of a drone to successfully disarm a suspect (no, it wasn’t AI). Meanwhile, Buster removed obstacles that were impeding access to the garage. Carter reanimated, waking from his drug-induced slumber. Deputies utilized the Rook armored rescue vehicle to provide ballistic protection while approaching the suspect. Despite extensive efforts to gain his compliance, Carter refused to give up. Sheriff’s K9 Beau was deployed and successfully apprehended him. SED Medics immediately provided medical care before Carter was transported to a local hospital. After being medically cleared, Carter was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail, where he remains ineligible for bail. No deputies were injured during the incident.
Sacramento Sheriff40,980 views • 1 month ago

25 ARRESTED IN FIRST DAY OF ORGANIZED RETAIL THEFT OPERATION The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office Organized Retail Crime Task Force began a multi-day enforcement operation yesterday focused on keeping shoppers and employees safe during the busy holiday season. Yesterday’s operation took place at Target locations in unincorporated Sacramento County and was conducted with the assistance of the Elk Grove Police Department. This is just the beginning, as our teams will be conducting similar operations throughout the county all week at multiple locations. Remember, it’s never cool to steal. It’s even less cool to get arrested on a Christmas soundtrack. • 25 total arrests • 4 Proposition 36 qualified arrests Arrested: Aaren Jackson, 48 years old (Prop 36) Leta Burnett, 59 years old (Prop 36) Ashley Silva, 37 years old Kahleelah Bolden, 29 years old Kristel Rocha, 37 years old Khadijah Tennessee, 34 years old Ryan Hamerton, 18 years old Connor Crotsley, 18 years old Tammy Coleman, 55 years old Michael Funez, 54 years old (Prop 36) Shenice Law, 23 years old Asadullah Nooristani, 20 years old Darnell Zeno, 27 years old Tamiko Miles, 21 years old Ashajame Meadows-Johnson, 18 years old Gabrielle Johnson, 33 years old (Prop 36) Kenneth Fisher, 30 years old Melvin Davis, 27 years old Samantha Skinner, 33 years old Nayelith Lorenzo-Gonzalez, 36 years old Hannah Harris, 29 years old Alexis Garcia, 29 years old Samantha Taylor, 33 years old Vanessa Garner, 41 years old Lisa Whyte, 42 years old
Sacramento Sheriff127,042 views • 8 months ago

Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) Detectives were conducting proactive enforcement in the South Sacramento area and were on a vehicle stop when approached by Darryl Maxwell. Darryl felt the need to interject in the lawful traffic stop. Unbeknownst to Darryl, GSU knew him and the fact that he was on parole AND probation… Darryl was detained and a search was conducted of his vehicle. GSU Detectives located a loaded, unregistered Glock 19 pistol concealed under the center console trim. Maxwell was arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm and transported to the Sacramento County Main Jail. GSU would like to thank Darryl for essentially turning himself in.
Sacramento Sheriff63,639 views • 3 months ago

REPEAT OFFENDER ARRESTED Less than 24 hours after being released from jail on his own recognizance for the EXACT SAME CHARGES, 19-year-old Andre Wiley was arrested again. Last week, Wiley, 18-year-old Andrew Ivy, and 18-year-old Kameryus Mayhand arrived together at a local jewelry store. Ivy and Mayhand distracted employees by looking at jewelry. Wiley sat at a consultation desk and stole two pieces of jewelry before leaving the store. Ivy and Mayhand fled with him immediately. A short time later, the Rancho Cordova Police Department Crime Suppression Unit located the suspects in their vehicle, resulting in their arrest and the recovery of items. That is when deputies learned Wiley had been released from the Placer County Jail less than 24 hours earlier and was on pretrial probation for burglary, conspiracy, and grand theft charges. All three suspects were booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on charges of burglary, conspiracy, and grand theft. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the suspects’ booking photos because detectives believe they may be responsible for additional thefts. If you recognize any of these individuals or believe you may have been a victim, please contact the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office at 916-874-5115.
Sacramento Sheriff16,771 views • 27 days ago

The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office and the Rancho Cordova Police Department are here with a public service announcement covering the safe operation of electric scooters, e-bikes, and e-motos. Most importantly, they discuss the laws that apply to riders. Whether you’re a parent, a new rider, or simply looking to understand the rules of the road better, we encourage you to watch and help us keep our community safe.
Sacramento Sheriff21,296 views • 1 month ago

DAY THREE OF RETAIL THEFT ENFORCEMENT NETS 17 ARRESTS, 4 FELONIES The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office Organized Retail Crime Task Force continued its multi-day enforcement operation, wrapping up Day Three with another productive evening of targeted retail theft enforcement. Day Three’s operation took place at Town and Country Village, focusing on retail locations including Sprouts, Five Below, TJ Maxx, Ross, as well as the Target on Fulton. Deputies were once again deployed for a limited operational window, yet still made 17 arrests, including four felony Proposition 36–qualified felony arrests. Those arrested include: Ailene Faravelli, 41 years old Dante Walls, 19 years old Sonai Murphy, 19 years old Jennifer Miller, 29 years old Brittney Denrow, 33 years old Tabojia Washington, 33 years old (Proposition 36) Wendy Kerski, 51 years old Sarah Moody, 36 years old Areanna Parker (Proposition 36) Pheonix Eaton, 24 years old Kimberly Heers-Sailsbery, 23 years old Cody Shaw-Montgomery, 36 years old Latour Bartholomew, 29 years old Anthony Bawolski, 35 years old (Proposition 36) Patricia Jackson, 30 years old Donna Spitzer, 52 years old Jesse Haney, 32 years old (Proposition 36) For those choosing to steal this holiday season, enforcement remains active throughout unincorporated Sacramento County; but the music may be less festive.
Sacramento Sheriff87,349 views • 7 months ago

Earlier today, Detectives from the Sheriff’s Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) located a known probationer and validated gang member in the Arden area and conducted a vehicle stop. During a search of the vehicle, Deputies located an illegally possessed firearm, narcotics, and a significant amount of cash. The suspect, 36-year-old Luis Garay, was arrested and booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on seven new felony charges. Our Gang Suppression Unit focuses on identifying and targeting violent offenders, removing illegal guns from the street, and making arrests that directly impact public safety. As one of the last full-time gang units in California, their work is a key part of our enforcement efforts. Under the County’s proposed budget cuts, this unit would no longer exist. The impact of that decision would be felt immediately in our neighborhoods, with fewer resources focused on those driving violence in our community.
Sacramento Sheriff46,708 views • 4 months ago

PAIR ARRESTED AFTER LIQUOR THEFT & CONFRONTATION AT SOUTH SACRAMENTO COSTCO Earlier this afternoon, 48-year-old Steven Green and 45-year-old Genitha Batiste entered the South Sacramento Costco together and concealed multiple bottles of liquor inside a bag, before bypassing all points of sale and exiting. When loss prevention officers confronted them, Green became verbally aggressive, causing employees to fear for their safety. They both exited the store and fled in a vehicle. Central Division Patrol Deputies located the vehicle a short distance away and conducted a stop. Both suspects were detained without incident, positively identified by loss prevention, and stolen liquor was recovered from the vehicle. Green and Batiste were transported and booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail.
Sacramento Sheriff43,155 views • 7 months ago

Yesterday, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Air Operations Unit assisted the Folsom Police Department with an illegal encampment cleanup in a remote area that was inaccessible by vehicle. Due to the steep terrain and limited access, our Huey helicopter was used to lift debris from the area using a cargo net suspended beneath a long line. 15 trips were needed, filling several 40 yard dumpsters. As a regional asset, this mission not only supported our law enforcement partners, but also provided valuable real-world operational experience for our flight crews. Huey pilots must maintain proficiency in both the aircraft and long-line operations. Missions like this allow our crews to sharpen those critical skills while accomplishing meaningful work.
Sacramento Sheriff13,706 views • 1 month ago

On May 27, 2026, the Sacramento Area Intelligence/Narcotics Team (SAINT), in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, concluded a major investigation targeting a Drug Trafficking Organization operating within Sacramento County. The coordinated enforcement operation resulted in the execution of 11 residential search warrants and the service of nine arrest warrants. Investigators seized 61 firearms, including rifles and handguns, nearly 229 pounds of methamphetamine, more than 6 pounds of heroin, $18,300 in U.S. currency, and a 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle as part of an asset forfeiture action. The suspects face charges including possession of controlled substances for sale, drug trafficking, conspiracy, felon in possession of a firearm, and being armed in the commission of a felony. All suspects are currently in custody at the Sacramento County Main Jail and are being held on $1 million bail.
Sacramento Sheriff18,149 views • 2 months ago

The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office conducted a four-day undercover operation "Operation Frostbite" targeting retail theft since the enactment of Proposition 36. (January 2025) 148 - Misdemeanor Charges Filed 38 - Felony Charges Filed 27 - Felony Charges Filed based on Proposition 36
Sacramento Sheriff85,107 views • 1 year ago

On June 3, 2026, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office Organized Retail Crime Task Force partnered with Target as part of a National Organized Retail Theft Blitz focused on identifying and apprehending repeat offenders and retail thieves. The operation resulted in seven arrests, including two felony arrests under Proposition 36, three additional felony drug-related charges, and two warrant arrests involving a total of five outstanding warrants. Deputies also issued ten trespass notices and cited several additional individuals. Organized retail theft continues to impact businesses, employees, and consumers throughout our community. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to working alongside our retail partners to hold offenders accountable and protect local businesses.
Sacramento Sheriff15,908 views • 2 months ago

ARMED SUBJECT IDENTIFIED AND ARRESTED IN ARDEN AREA INCIDENT On the evening of April 30, North Patrol Deputies responded to the area of La Sierra Drive in the Arden area, about a man armed with a knife , acting bizarre, approaching residences and reportedly attempting to access homes. That incident, which was captured on doorbell cameras understandably raised significant concern among residents. Through investigation, Deputies identified the suspect as 56-year-old Brian Mattson. He was located and arrested this morning without incident. Through their investigation, the only crime they could charge him with was criminal trespassing, a misdemeanor. Deputies learned Mattson was on felony probation; but Sacramento County Probation declined to place a probation hold. As a result, he was released from custody in less than two hours after being booked. For public safety awareness, we are releasing Mattson’s photo. We are asking anyone who may have had contact with him, or who may have been a victim of any unreported crimes during this incident, to come forward. Additional victims and information could lead to further charges. If you recognize this individual or believe you were contacted or targeted, please contact the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office at (916) 874-5115.
Sacramento Sheriff19,037 views • 3 months ago

FIVE ARRESTED IN AUBURN BOULEVARD HOMICIDE At approximately 12:00 AM on Sunday, March 15, 2026, North Patrol Deputies responded to the 4400 block of Auburn Boulevard for a report of a shooting. Deputies located a male and female inside a vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds. Deputies provided medical aid until fire personnel arrived. The male was transported to a hospital and is expected to survive. The female was pronounced deceased at the scene. Sheriff’s Homicide Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators determined the shooting occurred during a “pop-up” party at 4366 Auburn Boulevard, where large crowds had gathered inside and outside the building. Witnesses reported that a group of four to five males retrieved handguns from a vehicle and fired approximately 70 rounds toward another group in the parking lot. Tragically, the gunfire struck two uninvolved victims who were passengers in an Uber attempting to leave the parking lot. The victims had no affiliation with either group and were caught in the crossfire. During the five-week investigation, Detectives learned one group was waiting for a rapper and his associates to exit the party. When they saw the group, five suspects exited a vehicle and opened fire into the crowd. Detectives identified all five suspects, three adults and two juveniles. On April 20, four suspects were taken into custody, including 18-year-old Kymani Agbouti (Vallejo) and 18-year-old Avante Washington (Antelope), along with two juveniles from Oakland and Sacramento. The fifth suspect, 20-year-old Juan Colmenero (Emeryville), fled to Puerto Rico. On April 29, he was arrested at San Francisco International Airport and booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail. All five suspects have been arrested for homicide charges. There are no outstanding suspects.
Sacramento Sheriff17,123 views • 3 months ago

SACRAMENTO: MOMENTS OF EVIL - THE CASE OF DAVID ALLEN FUNSTON The case of David Allen Funston underscores the real-world consequences of the California Board of Parole Hearings and how early release policies are being applied in California. This is more than just a case. It’s part of a much bigger issue that we’ll be addressing shortly. Stay tuned, as additional information will be shared during a press conference later this morning.
Sacramento Sheriff19,555 views • 4 months ago