Ricky Harding dies in fatal South Sacramento police chase shooting
Fatal South Sacramento police chase death of Ricky Harding – Obituary
Ricky Harding, 33, lost his life Saturday night following a high-speed pursuit that ended in a collision with a police vehicle and a subsequent car fire, according to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident began around 9 p.m. near 15th Avenue and 42nd Street, when deputies observed Harding committing multiple traffic violations. As officers attempted to pull him over, Harding sped away, leading deputies on a chase through nearby streets.
During the pursuit, Harding reportedly turned off his headlights, trying to avoid detection. The chase became more dangerous as he traveled south on 43rd Street, where he ran a stop sign at 8th Avenue and struck a Sacramento Police Department patrol car. The force of the collision pushed the patrol vehicle into a nearby fence, while Harding’s car caught fire shortly afterward.
Firefighters quickly arrived and extinguished the flames, and the police officer involved was unharmed. Despite the crash and fire, Harding attempted to flee on foot but was captured nearby.
After being evaluated at a local hospital, Harding was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail. He is currently held on $500,000 bail and is scheduled for a court appearance on March 10.