A police chase tied to a domestic violence investigation ended in a deadly collision Saturday, claiming the life of an innocent man in South Sacramento.
According to Fox 40, a seven-vehicle collision at a busy intersection took place after a suspect, wanted in a domestic violence case, fled from police during a high-speed chase that ended with one fatality and multiple vehicle impacts.
The initial call to police came on June 1, when officers with the Sacramento Police Department responded to a report of domestic violence on the 7300 block of Farmdale Way. The suspect, later identified as 33-year-old Daniel Cunningham of Sacramento, evaded capture before officers arrived. Police began efforts to locate him, suspecting further legal violations, including a parole breach.
Nearly a week later, on the morning of June 7, around 10:15 a.m., SPD officers returned to the same location on Farmdale Way. This time, they were there to conduct a civil standby. The police request came from the same victim involved in the initial June 1 call; she wanted to safely retrieve personal belongings from the home.
While on the scene, officers confirmed that Cunningham was a parolee at large and had an active felony warrant. As officers coordinated on site, another officer spotted Cunningham in a nearby vehicle. They quickly attempted a traffic stop, activating lights and sirens.
High-Speed Pursuit Sparks Tragic Collision
Cunningham failed to yield and began driving west on Florin Road. Traveling at high speed, he continued through the area, eventually reaching the intersection of Florin Road and Greenhaven Drive in South Sacramento. There, his vehicle collided with seven others in a chaotic crash that sent emergency responders rushing to the scene.
Among the vehicles struck in the incident was one carrying an adult male passenger. Fire personnel responding to the crash pronounced the man dead at the scene. His identity has not yet been disclosed publicly, as officials are awaiting notification of next of kin from the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office.
Following the collision, Cunningham fled the crash site on foot. However, police officers, with assistance from a K9 unit, located and apprehended him nearby. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the arrest and was later cleared for incarceration.
Suspect Faces Multiple Felony Charges
Cunningham was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail after being discharged from the hospital. He now faces several serious charges, including domestic violence, violation of parole, and engaging in a felony police pursuit. Authorities expect that additional charges may be considered pending further investigation.
In response to the fatal impact of the chase, the Sacramento Police Department has brought in the California Highway Patrol's Major Accident Investigation Team. Their role will be to evaluate the crash and determine whether further legal actions are warranted based on the results of the analysis. "This suspect had a fresh domestic violence warrant for his arrest," said Officer Anthony Gamble with the Sacramento Police Department. "He was also a parolee at large, and so our officers had an obligation to bring this person to justice."
Lives Upended by Suspect’s Decisions
Officer Gamble further emphasized the devastating consequences of Cunningham’s actions. "He decided to run," he said. "He decided to drive at a high rate of speed."
"He put himself and everyone else’s lives in danger by his actions," Gamble continued. "And he caused this collision that took the life of someone who was not involved in this whatsoever." The crash rattled the local community and prompted renewed discussions about the dangers associated with high-speed pursuits, especially in densely populated areas. Residents expressed concern about public safety and the ripple effects of one person’s dangerous choice.
Police Department Seeks Public’s Help
SPD officials have expressed their condolences to the victim’s family and stated their commitment to a thorough investigation. They’ve asked that any witnesses to the crash or the moments leading up to it reach out to their dispatch center at 916-808-5471. As investigators continue to piece together details, Cunningham remains in custody. His next court appearance has not yet been publicly announced. Authorities remain focused on bringing justice to the victim and ensuring accountability for the suspect's actions.
The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office will release the name of the deceased in the coming days, once relatives have been notified. In the meantime, officials are urging community members to come forward with any information that could assist the investigation.
