Sacramento Sheriff Deputy killed by gunfire
Deputy Sheriff Bob French was shot and killed outside of the Ramada Inn in the 2600 block of Auburn Boulevard while attempting to serve a warrant as part of an auto theft investigation at approximately 10:30 am.
Members of the Sacramento County Sheriff's Auto Theft Task Force had just taken two women into custody after observing them enter a stolen automobile. A search warrant was obtained for a hotel room as part of the ensuing investigation. As two members of the task force knocked on the room's door a male subject inside opened fire with a rifle, wounding two California Highway Patrol officers.
The man then opened fire from the room's balcony, killing Deputy French. The man was able to jump from the balcony and fled in a nearby car, leading officers on a pursuit before crashing. He exchanged shots with officers again before being wounded and taken into custody.
Deputy French had served with the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department for 21 years and was assigned to the Sacramento County Sheriff's Auto Theft Task Force. He is survived by his children and grandchildren.
Please contact the following agency to send condolences or to obtain funeral arrangements:
Sheriff Scott Jones
Sacramento County Sheriff's Department
711 G Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 874-5115
