Police Officer Tara Christina O'Sullivan

Police Officer Tara Christina O'Sullivan

Sacramento Police Department, California

End of Watch Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Add to My Heroes

Tara Christina O'Sullivan

Police Officer Tara O'Sullivan was shot and killed at the scene of a domestic disturbance in the 200 block of Redwood Avenue at 6:10 pm.

She was standing in the yard while assisting a woman to retrieve belongings from a home when a male subject inside opened fire with a rifle, striking Officer O'Sullivan. The subject continued to fire at other officers, preventing them from reaching Officer O'Sullivan or rendering aid to her. Approximately 30 minutes later, an armored vehicle arrived, and they were able to rescue her from the yard. She was transported to a local hospital where she succumbed to her wounds.

The subject remained barricaded inside the home for several more hours while negotiators communicated with him. He surrendered at 2:00 am the following morning.

Officer O'Sullivan had served with the Sacramento Police Department for six months. She previously served as a Community Service Officer and an Explorer. She was survived by her parents.

In February 2020, the Sacramento City Council renamed Woodlake Park's baseball field to Officer Tara O'Sullivan Memorial Field. The H Street Bridge was renamed to the Tara O'Sullivan Memorial Bridge in February 2022.

Bio

  • Age 26
  • Tour 6 months
  • Badge 349

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Rifle
  • Offender In custody

ambush, domestic

Most Recent Reflection

View all 238 Reflections

Tara, it broke my heart to hear of your passing. You gave your life protecting the people of Sacramento and doing the job you loved. I worked with Tara before she became an officer. I remember working as an officer for the Martinez Police Department and seeing you come in for the Explorer meetings. You were so happy in uniform as an Explorer for us. I wish ODMP would add that you were previously an Explorer for the Martinez Police Department.

Officer Jason Quan
Brisbane Police Department

January 17, 2024

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.