Standoff with Barricaded Suspect Results in Officer Involved Shooting in Orangevale
ORANGEVALE, CA –– “At approximately 4:15 PM on Saturday, March 29, 2025, Sacramento County Sheriff’s North Patrol Deputies responded to a residence on the 8600 block of Blythe Avenue in Orangevale regarding the report of a resident shooting a gun in his backyard, which is illegal in that area of the County, as it is a densely populated residential zone. The complainant reported that the suspect (a neighbor) had also fired through the fence into their pool last week, but they did not make a report at the time. When Deputies arrived on scene, they identified the suspect that fired the gun as 67-year-old Kenneth Vaughn, and attempted to call him by phone several times, but there was no answer. As a precaution, Deputies began evacuating nearby homes, although some residents chose to shelter in place instead.
Just before 6:30 PM, affected homes had all either been evacuated, or residents chose to shelter in place, and Deputies positioned armored vehicles in front of Vaughn’s residence. They were able to establish phone communication with Vaughn, who initially stated that he had some mobility issues, preventing him from walking out of the home and surrendering. During the conversation, Vaughn confirmed that he was home alone and was armed with a loaded gun. Deputies attempted to use a drone to see inside the residence but could not get a visual of Vaughn.
Approximately 15 minutes later, Vaughn initially opened his front door but then closed his metal security door, not allowing Deputies or the drone to see inside. Deputies continued to speak with Vaughn by phone, and he suggested several times that he would come to the door and had trouble walking, asking that Deputies meet him at the front door to assist him. At approximately 7:30 PM, Vaughn unexpectedly closed all of his curtains and blinds and would not cooperate. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Vaughn’s arrest for both shootings, along with a search warrant to seize the firearm. As a result, Deputies then requested the Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Detail (SED/SWAT Team) to respond and assist.
Members of the Sheriff’s Critical Incident Negotiations Team (CINT) were able to reestablish communication with Vaughn after repeated PA announcements, but he still refused to cooperate and surrender peacefully. CINT Deputies continued to speak to Vaughn for hours, imploring him to exit his residence and surrender peacefully, but he refused, making repeated threats to shoot Deputies.
At approximately 9:50 PM, as SED Deputies were standing outside of the residence, Vaughn fired one shot toward them. A Deputy from SED returned fire with one shot, striking Vaughn in the torso. Deputies then entered the residence to render medical aid, but he was pronounced deceased by Fire Department personnel at the scene.
The investigation into this incident is still ongoing and will be conducted by the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau and Professional Standards Division, which is standard practice for any officer-involved shooting that occurs in the Sheriff’s Office’s jurisdiction. An independent review of the incident will be conducted by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office. In accordance with the Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures, the Deputy involved in the shooting will be placed on administrative leave pending the investigation.
