Vacaville PD Officer-Involved Shooting Snarls I-80 Traffic

VACAVILLE – A Sacramento man, Lonnie  Taylor, 21, who had attempted to run Vacaville police officers down during a traffic stop on I-80, died of a single gunshot wound soon thereafter.

Lonnie Taylor, 21

According to Vacaville PD spokesman Lt. John Carli, “The officers perceived a threat and fired at least one shot into the vehicle.”

Though wounded, Taylor nonetheless sped away. Soon, he slammed his 1995 Lincoln into a gray Honda minivan. The van swerved into the center divide near Midway Road. Taylor’s Lincoln halted near by.

Quickly catching up, police arrested Taylor and his passenger, Elizabeth M. Ilar, 18, also of Sacramento, who had suffered a hand injury. Both were transported to Kaiser Permanente Vacaville Medical Center. Taylor died of his injuries at the hospital a short time later.

The pursuit had begun when security guards at the Vacaville Walmart saw Taylor allegedly shoplift a TV and called Vacaville police. Officers soon pulled Taylor over on I-80 near Leisure Town Road.  After a short discussion with officers, Taylor “disobeyed direct orders” and started up his car, according to Lt. Carli. Taylor then “aggressively accelerated backwards, striking officers,” Lt. Carli said.

It was at this point that Taylor was shot.

Carli said that until Vacaville PD completes its investigation, the identities of the officers involved will not be disclosed. The occupants of the Honda minivan and a Ford Ranger pickup that Taylor also struck did not sustain serious injuries. Ilar was placed into custody after being treated and released from the hospital.

Fox 40:  Chase Starts at Walmart, Ends with Suspect’s Death

News 10:  Investigation continues into shooting that closed I-80

Daily Republic:  Police:  Man shot, killed after he tried to run down officers on I-80