Following a tense standoff in Sacramento Friday, police apprehended a suspect involved in a domestic violence incident. Johnny Balcorta, 37, was cornered near Matsui Park after fleeing from officers, resulting in an officer-involved shooting. The Sacramento Police Department's social media post indicates that Balcorta, who was wanted on a felony no-bail warrant, brandished what appeared to be a firearm during the pursuit.
The sequence of events, according to the Sacramento Police, began just before noon when patrol officers responded to a report of domestic violence where the suspect had allegedly thrown a knife and attempted molestation. The suspect was also accused of stealing property and possessing the caller’s BB gun. Balcorta was located shortly thereafter, fleeing from law enforcement, leading to the perimeter establishment and eventual shooting. No officers were injured in the encounter.
The apprehension of Balcorta involved multiple commands to surrender, the deployment of a police K-9, and gunfire from two officers, which struck Balcorta at least once. The injuries sustained by Balcorta were not life-threatening, and he was transported to a local hospital in stable condition. Upon recovery, he will be booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail. The involved firearms were later determined to be imitations, according to the Sacramento Police Department.
The investigation into this incident is being carried out by the Sacramento Police Department’s Homicide Unit, Internal Affairs Division, and Professional Standards Unit, with oversight by the Office of Public Safety Accountability and the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office. A full review by the Force Investigation Team will also take place, focusing, on policy, tactics, and the training involved in the use of force. Consistent with city policy and state law, all body camera and other relevant footage will be released within 30 days.
Authorities are urging any witnesses with information about the incident to come forward, offering up to $1,000 for tips that may lead to further insights into the case. Those with information can contact the dispatch center at (916) 808-5471 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP (4357). Tips can also be submitted via the “P3 Tips” smartphone app, available for free download.
