Woman killed in shooting near Panera Bread in Sacramento, sheriff's office said

KCRA • September 9, 2026 • nation

Key Points:

A woman was fatally shot in the Panera Bread parking lot at Howe Avenue in Sacramento on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office.
The suspect fled the scene and was later located near Highway 50, leading to a standoff with deputies.
Witnesses provided the vehicle's license plate, enabling deputies to quickly track the suspect's location using license plate reader technology.
The suspect stopped his car on the freeway, refused to exit, and subsequently died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the victim and suspect knew each other or the victim's connection to the restaurant.