On Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at around 11 AM, law enforcement deputies in Rio Linda were summoned to the vicinity of 18th Street and Elkhorn Boulevard in response to reports of trespassing. However, what transpired on that scene quickly escalated into a more serious incident involving a carjacking.
While at the scene of the initial trespassing call, a deputy was alerted to a separate incident just a few houses away. In this incident, a 23-year-old male later identified as Brenden Waterman assaulted an adult female and attempted to use a screwdriver as a weapon in an effort to steal her vehicle. Waterman’s violent attempts also included trying to force the victim into the vehicle. Fortunately, the victim managed to break free, but Waterman took off in her car.
As the deputy exited his patrol vehicle to engage with the victim, Waterman reappeared in the stolen vehicle and drove directly towards the deputy. In response, the deputy discharged one round towards the approaching vehicle, then moved to safety. Subsequently, Waterman led deputies on a brief pursuit, which concluded when he lost control of the stolen vehicle, colliding with the center median and crashing into another civilian’s car.
After the collision, Waterman abandoned the stolen car and fled on foot into a residence located on the 6800 block of 18th Street. The sole resident in the house quickly exited, and deputies established a perimeter around the property. Fortunately, both the carjacking victim and the civilian motorist involved in the crash sustained only minor injuries and did not require hospitalization.
In response to the escalating situation, multiple law enforcement units were deployed to the scene, including the Special Enforcement Detail (SED), Critical Incident Negotiations Team (CINT), K9 unit, and other sheriff’s assets. Despite their efforts, deputies were unable to establish communication or dialogue with Waterman for several hours.
Eventually, Waterman emerged from the residence armed with a handgun. In response, deputies utilized less-lethal shotgun rounds and a Sheriff’s K9 unit to apprehend him without further incident. Waterman sustained minor injuries from the K9 bite and the earlier vehicle collision and was subsequently taken to a hospital as a precaution.
Waterman now faces multiple felony charges, including Carjacking (PC 215), Assault with a Deadly Weapon (PC 245(a)(1)), Attempted Murder (PC 664/187), First Degree Robbery (PC 212.5(a)), and other firearms-related offenses. He is currently ineligible for bail and is scheduled to appear in court on February 1, 2024.
The investigation into this incident is ongoing and will be conducted by the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau and Professional Standards Division, following standard procedure for any officer-involved shooting within the Sheriff’s Department’s jurisdiction. Additionally, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office will conduct an independent review of the incident. In accordance with Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures, the deputy involved in the shooting will be placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
