Coroner IDs domestic violence suspect in deadly I-80 standoff with deputies
Authorities have identified the domestic violence suspect shot dead Sunday at the end of a freeway chase by sheriff’s deputies near Citrus Heights.
Sacramento County Coroner’s officials identified William Mattias Kreuzer, 38, of Rancho Cordova. He was killed around 11 a.m. Sunday after pointing his weapon in a brief standoff with sheriff’s deputies on Interstate 80 just west of the Antelope Road exit.
Kreuzer had held his former wife inside a Zinfandel Road home, beating, strangling and pistol-whipping her for days before she managed to escape Sunday morning, said Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies reached the woman, who had sought refuge inside a Good Samaritan’s nearby apartment.
The woman told deputies she “played dead” Sunday until Kreuzer left her residence, giving her time to flee and call for help. The woman did not know Kreuzer’s whereabouts, but warned deputies that the Rancho Cordova man was armed.
Sheriff’s deputies alerted nearby authorities before spotting the man driving on Fair Oaks Boulevard near Kenneth Avenue where they tried to initiate a traffic stop. Kreuzer did not stop, leading sheriff’s deputies onto eastbound I-80 and the fatal confrontation near Citrus Heights.
The pursuit, standoff and deadly shooting closed eastbound I-80 for hours before the freeway was cleared about 8:30 p.m. Sunday, said the California Highway Patrol.
The deputies involved in the fatal shooting are on administrative leave as the California Highway Patrol investigates the incident. Sheriff’s homicide and professional standards investigators are also investigating. Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office will also conduct a review of the incident.
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