SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT News Release
		Release #10-01-03 October 1, 2003 For Immediate Release
						Media Office 916-433-0808  Capt. Sam Somers Sgt. Justin Risley, PIO PIC Audrey Lee     Internet: www.sacpd.org

At approximately 8:56 a.m. this morning, October 1, 2003, the Sacramento Police Department received a call from Rio Cazadero High School (7825 Grandstaff Drive) stating that a student with a shotgun was in one of the classrooms.  The school vice principal, L.C. Brown, responded to the classroom occupied by about eight to ten students and a teacher.  Mr. Brown also saw a student (suspect) with both a shotgun and what was later determined to be a replica of a semi-automatic handgun.  Prior to Mr. Brown entering the classroom, the suspect had pointed the shotgun at himself, the teacher, and fellow students.  Mr. Brown confronted the suspect and tried to talk him into putting down the shotgun with no success.  At some point, the suspect allowed the other students to leave the classroom.

As the suspect heard the sirens of approaching police vehicles, he made the statement, “They’re here.  It’s time I headed out,” and began to leave the classroom.  At this time, Mr. Brown grabbed the suspect and a struggle ensued.  The struggle ended up outside the door as Sacramento Police Officers, Elk Grove School District Police, and a Sacramento Sheriff Deputy arrived.  Officers immediately entered the school campus and saw the vice principal and the suspect fighting over the shotgun.  The suspect, who was rather large, freed himself from the vice principal and leveled the shotgun at the approaching officers.  The officers responded by firing at the suspect, striking him in the upper body and leg.
 
During the struggle, Mr. Brown sustained an injury to his leg that was not life threatening.  Both Mr. Brown and the suspect, identified as Mario Michael Rodriguez, male Hispanic, 6'1", 220 lbs., DOB 6/23/84, were transported to the U.C. Davis Medical Center.  A photo of the suspect is attached.

The on-going investigation has revealed that the suspect was apparently despondent over a recent break-up with his girlfriend.  However, his actual motive for this incident is not currently known.

The two Sacramento Police Officers involved in this shooting have been with the Sacramento Police Department for 28 and five years respectively.  As a matter of policy, these officers have been placed on administrative leave.

In accordance with the Sacramento Police Department’s Policy and Procedures, the circumstances surrounding this incident will be investigated by the Internal Affairs, Professional Standards Units; and the City of Sacramento’s Office of Police Accountability.