Eureka Police Department releases update regarding officer involved shooting in July

EUREKA, Calif. (KIEM) – The Eureka Police Department releases more information regarding the officer involved shooting in July that left 51-year-old John Karl Sieger dead.

Audio files, transcriptions of phone calls and officer’s worn body camera recordings that depicted the discharge of a firearm have been released.

Critical Incident Response Team investigators have completed interviews with all involved persons and are continuing to examine all related evidence.

The toxicology report related to Sieger showed a blood alcohol level twice the legal limit and the presence of prescription medication.

On July 23, EPD responded to the 2800 block of Lowell street after receiving a call from the reported party that their friend was ‘very intoxicated’ and ‘talking very depressed.’ The reported party said they were afraid Sieger was going to take his own life.

Upon law enforcement’s arrival, nearly two hours were spent trying to communicate with Sieger as deescalation techniques were used.

Eventually, Sieger exited the backyard of the residence, pointed a firearm at officers which lead to 27 rounds fired toward Sieger, by EPD.

Sieger was rushed to the hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. 

All of the information that has been collected by CIRT investigators will be compiled in reports and forwarded to the District Attorney for review

Subsequent video, photographic material and the CIRT investigation will be released within the coming months. 

The released material can be accessed in the transparency portal under ‘Officer Involved Shooting’s’ on EPD’s website. Viewer discretion is advised as the video and/or audio material may contain graphic images and strong language.

Link to transparency portal: http://www.ci.eureka.ca.gov/depts/police/transparency_portal__sb_978/default.asp

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