Sacramento Police Shoot Knife-Wielding Man Outside Elementary School

Authorities say the 29-year-old suspect called 911 himself before the confrontation.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:12pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a knife blade against a stark black background, the harsh flash creating dramatic shadows and highlights that convey a sense of danger and urgency without depicting any actual violence.A confrontation between police and an armed suspect outside a Sacramento elementary school exposes the risks and complexities of law enforcement response in public spaces.Today in Sacramento

The Sacramento Police Department has released video footage showing officers firing at a knife-wielding man outside of Strauch Elementary School last month. The 29-year-old suspect, Jamal Dearmond, allegedly called 911 himself to report a man with a knife chasing people, then refused orders to drop the weapon before approaching the officers, who ultimately shot him.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about police use of force and mental health response protocols, especially in situations involving schools and public spaces. The video footage provides a rare window into a tense confrontation between law enforcement and an armed individual that resulted in a shooting.

The details

According to police, officers responded to a 911 call on March 10 reporting a man with a knife chasing people near Strauch Elementary School. When they arrived, they encountered Dearmond, who was pacing around the school grounds and refused to drop the knife despite repeated commands. Bodycam and helicopter footage shows Dearmond approaching the officers, who then fired multiple shots, striking him in the stomach. Dearmond was taken to the hospital and later booked into jail on an assault with a deadly weapon charge.

  • On March 10, police responded to a 911 call about a man with a knife near Strauch Elementary School.
  • Jamal Dearmond, 29, was shot by police outside the school after refusing to drop the knife.

The players

Jamal Dearmond

A 29-year-old man who was shot by police outside Strauch Elementary School after allegedly refusing to drop a knife he was carrying.

Sacramento Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and released video footage of the confrontation.

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What’s next

Dearmond is scheduled to appear in court on May 12 and is being held on $300,000 bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the challenges police face in responding to calls involving armed individuals, especially near schools, and the need for improved mental health crisis intervention protocols to de-escalate such situations without the use of lethal force.