Placer DA: No Crime Committed When Off-Duty Sergeant Shot Suspect

A complete Placer County District Attorney’s Office review of a May 29 incident determined no crime was committed when an off-duty sergeant shot a burglary suspect in a Roseville park.

Just before 5 p.m. on May 29, Placer County Sheriff’s Sgt. Vaness Bogardus shot burglary suspect Sergey Pautov in in Roseville. Rocklin Police officers reportedly spotted Pautov, 22 of Rancho Cordova, while driving a stolen car into Roseville city limits. Pautov was wanted for a recent burglary and auto theft, according to a news release.

Pautov abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot and was reportedly jumping over backyard fences in the Stone Canyon Drive area of Roseville. Sgt. Bogardus was reportedly aware that officers were searching for Pautov and spotted the suspect in Cambria Park. After repeated warnings to get on the ground and refusing, Bogardus shot Pautov three times as he tried to jump into the yard of a private residence, according to the DA release. Pautov was taken into custody and transported by ambulance to a local hospital.

According to a release from the , it’s standard county-wide protocol to investigate an officer-involved shooting. Following the Roseville Police Department’s review, the case was submitted to the Placer County District Attorney’s Office for its review.

Through the review, the office determined that there was no evidence to suggest that Sgt. Bogardus committed any crime during the incident and no action will be taken against Bogardus.

According to the review, Bogardus pointed his duty weapon at Pautov and yelled, “Sheriff’s Department – get on the ground!” multiple times but Pautov disregarded the command. Sgt. Bogardus fired three rounds, hitting Pautov twice in the left buttocks and once in the right hip.

Pautov is charged with evading a peace officer with willful disregard, driving in the opposite traffic lane, unlawfully taking a vehicle and second-degree burglary – all felonies. He is also charged with driving on a suspended license for a prior DUI, a misdemeanor. According to the DA’s Office, Pautov has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

His next court appearance will be at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 9 in Dept. 13 of Placer County Superior Court.