An off-duty detective attending a 9:30 a.m. all-school Mass at St. Mary Catholic Church in East Sacramento disarmed and detained a man with a loaded handgun outside the church today, according to Sacramento police. Students were quickly escorted back to class, no one was injured, and the man was arrested on firearm charges and taken into custody while detectives continue their investigation. Church and school leaders later thanked parent volunteers for responding fast and keeping children away from the scene.
Off-duty detective steps in
According to FOX40, the detective was at the service as a parent observer when the incident unfolded outside. The detective removed a loaded handgun from the man, then detained him until uniformed officers arrived. Police said officers took the suspect into custody on firearm-related charges and reported no indication of any confrontation inside the church itself.
School says students never came close
Principal Hale wrote in an email, as reported by FOX40, “Thanks to the vigilance and professionalism of our parent volunteers our children remained safely inside.” School officials said no students came into contact with the man and that children were escorted back to class after Mass.
Where it happened
St. Mary Catholic Church and St. Mary School share the 1300 block of 58th Street in East Sacramento. The parish lists its address as 1333 58th Street and notes the school serves preschool through eighth grade, per StMarysacto.org. Church leaders said the close proximity of the school and church during the all-school Mass made the quick response especially critical.
Police investigation continues
Sacramento police confirmed that no one was hurt and said detectives are actively investigating the incident. Officials did not immediately release the suspect’s name or specify the exact counts beyond firearm-related charges. Anyone with information was asked to contact the Sacramento Police Department.
