Deputy Robert “Bob” French
Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department
EOW: August 30, 2017

On August 30, 2017, at approximately 8:00am, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Auto Theft Task Force was working a stolen vehicle operation in the area of Fulton Avenue and Auburn Boulevard when they observed two female suspects get into a stolen vehicle. Task Force members followed the vehicle to Elk Grove, where both suspects were detained. Additional officers responded to the Ramada Inn in the 2600 block of Auburn Boulevard to serve a search warrant connected to the auto theft. As officers knocked and announced themselves, a male suspect inside opened fire, shooting two CHP Officers through the door. Both are expected to recover.

The suspect then fired rounds from the balcony at deputies stationed at the rear of the hotel. Sacramento County Deputy Sheriff Robert “Bob” French was struck in the exchange. The suspect escaped in a vehicle, eventually crashing into a power pole near El Camino and Watt Avenue. The suspect again exchanged gunfire with deputies, was struck and taken into custody. 

Deputy Bob French, age 52, a 21-year veteran of the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department, died as he was being transported to the hospital. He was a highly respected training officer with the North Area Patrol Unit.

Deputy French is survived by his adult children and grandchildren, and his girlfriend.

A memorial fund for Deputy French’s family has been established at the CAHP Credit Union, 2843 Manlove Road, Sacramento CA 95826, reference: “Robert French Memorial Fund”

Funeral information will be forwarded as available.