Redding officer shoots at suspect who drove towards him when escaping the parking lot

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Redding, CA - The Redding Police Department has released a critical incident briefing video detailing the circumstances of an officer-involved shooting that took place on March 26, 2025, in the Safeway parking lot on East Cypress Avenue. The incident occurred shortly after 4:00 p.m. and involved a 46-year-old man, David Schaefer, who was sitting in a gold Acura SUV.

According to the Redding Police Department, officers were aware that Schaefer had felony warrants for his arrest. The vehicle was parked between Safeway and New Hawaiian Barbecue. Officers requested additional units and positioned themselves around Schaefer's vehicle to prevent his escape.

The department stated, "The officer in front of the SUV exited his patrol car, drew his firearm, and pointed it at Mr. Schaefer, issuing verbal commands while moving northeast to avoid being directly in front of the vehicle." Although the first 30 seconds of body-worn camera footage lacks audio due to a buffering period, witnesses reported hearing the officer instruct Schaefer to raise his hands.

RPD said that Schaefer did not comply and instead reversed the SUV, nearly hitting the patrol vehicle behind him, then accelerated forward toward the officer. It was at this moment that the officer-involved shooting occurred.

The Redding Police Department shared body-worn camera footage from officers positioned around Schaefer's vehicle, providing different perspectives of the incident. Despite being shot, Schaefer fled the scene, driving northbound toward Safeway and then eastbound toward Alfredo Way. A vehicle pursuit ensued until Schaefer collided with an unoccupied parked vehicle on Down Lane. Officers provided medical assistance and detained Schaefer, rendering life-saving aid until emergency medical personnel arrived.

The district attorney said after Schaeffer received care at an out-of-area hospital, he was released back into the community without authorities being notified.

After an extensive search, detectives located Schaeffer in Reno, Nevada. On April 10, Nevada law enforcement officers arrested Schaeffer. The OICIRT stated he was booked into the Washoe County Jail, where he awaited extradition back to Shasta County.

RPD announced that the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office has filed felony charges against Schaefer, including assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, fleeing a pursuing peace officer’s vehicle while driving recklessly, resisting an executive officer, and possession of hard drugs with two prior offenses.