James Richard Jimenez, aged 41, died on March 13, 2015, in Napa, California, as a result of an officer-involved shooting. On that day, officers from the Napa Police Department's Special Enforcement Unit were preparing to serve a search warrant at Jimenez's residence on East Avenue. Jimenez, who had a significant criminal history and was pending felony charges for the sale of methadone and possession of a firearm, stun gun, and ammunition by a felon, was spotted by the officers as he drove past
them on a motorcycle. Recognizing the officers, Jimenez attempted to flee, leading to a pursuit.
During the chase, Jimenez lost control of his motorcycle near the intersection of Spring Street and Hill Avenue. As officers approached him, they repeatedly ordered him to show his hands. According to the police, Jimenez reached towards his midsection, where officers believed he had a handgun. In response, Officer Thomas Keener fired three shots, striking Jimenez in the front of his body. Despite immediate life-saving measures, Jimenez succumbed to his injuries at Queen of the Valley Medical Center.
The incident prompted two investigations: one by the Napa County Sheriff's Department and another by the Napa Police Department's Internal Affairs unit. All four officers involved in the shooting were placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of these investigations. The officers found a handgun, suspected methamphetamine, and cash on Jimenez at the scene.
Jimenez's death and the circumstances surrounding it were further complicated by his extensive criminal background. He had been arrested multiple times and had served time in California state penitentiaries. His criminal record included numerous aliases and a history of violent encounters with law enforcement. In June 2014, Jimenez was involved in a physical struggle with officers after attempting to hide cocaine, which added to his lengthy record.
The officer who shot Jimenez, Thomas Keener, had previously been involved in another shooting incident in 2012, where he was cleared of criminal liability. This history added another layer of scrutiny to the investigation of Jimenez's death. The Napa County District Attorney's Office conducted a thorough review of the incident, drawing from police investigations, witness interviews, and physical evidence to reach their conclusions.
