The man shot and killed by police on May 2, 2013 at the City of Suisun boat launch has been identified as Saan Pao Saeteurn, 32 years of age. Saeteurn has addresses in both the City of Fairfield and Suisun City. Information about Saeteurn has become available based upon many witness statements and background investigation. Saan Saeteurn had a lengthy criminal history including numerous arrests for theft, battery, possession of stolen property, possession of narcotics, resisting arrest and false impersonation. Saeteurn was on felony probation for arson at the time of the incident. Saeteurn also struggled with substance abuse and years of mental health treatment. In contacts with area law enforcement during the past few years, Saeteurn was volatile and combative.
Witnesses stated that Saeteurn had been using methamphetamine and alcohol prior to the shooting. Saeteurn has a history of heavy drug and alcohol use. Saeteurn had also recently been making statements to friends indicating he was suicidal, including asking others to help him end his life.
Saeteurn was contacted by police at the Suisun City Boat Launch on May 2, 2013 after receiving reports of a man with a gun. Police found Saeteurn armed with a rifle and was initially seated at a metal picnic table. Police attempted to negotiate with Saeteurn in an effort to separate Saeteurn from the rifle. Saeteurn was not complying with officers and made statements indicating he was suicidal to the officers. Saeteurn made numerous threats to officers during a period of over 14 minutes. The standoff concluded when Saeteurn threatened the officers with the rifle and was shot.
As a result of the shooting there are six officers on administrative leave. Following the shooting it was determined the rifle used by Saeteurn was a pellet gun manufactured to look like a rifle. The gun was seen with Saeteurn prior to the shooting by witnesses. These witnesses remarked that the gun was nearly indistinguishable from a real rifle without handling the gun.
