Citrus Heights police and the Sacramento County District Attorney’s office are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred early Sunday morning near the Ranch Motel on Auburn Boulevard, police said in a news release following the incident.
The shooting occurred around 2:45 a.m. on Sunday after a solo officer “made a self-initiated contact” with a man and woman in the motel parking lot and subsequently conducted a search of the man, who was later identified as 24-year-old Nickolas Russo, police said. Russo then “pulled away from the officer and fled on foot,” with the officer pursuing him.
Police confirmed the officer discharged his weapon at the suspect at some point, but said “until additional statements are obtained, it is unknown at this time what transpired between the suspect and the officer during the foot pursuit.” Russo was struck by at least one bullet, but “continued to run from the officer and stopped a short distance later in a nearby parking lot,” police said.
Responding officers found Russo with a gunshot wound to his upper torso and provided first aid treatment. He was transported to a local hospital where he was listed in stable condition on Sunday.
Police said a search of Russo revealed a firearm. He is charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, resisting a police officer, and violation of parole and probation.
The officer involved in the shooting was not injured, but has been placed on paid administrative leave in accordance with department policy.
See video coverage on KCRA for more information.
