Former Sacramento Officer Faces Felony Assault Charges After Viral Video Shows Forceful Confrontation with 71-Year-Old Woman

A Sacramento sheriff's deputy, Matthew Gurich, is facing charges after bodycam footage revealed his aggressive behavior toward a woman at a jail facility. The Sacramento County District Attorney's Office has filed one felony count against him for unlawful assault by a public officer. On October 7, 2024, the 71-year-old Ourinia Thimmhardy was forcefully pushed out of the downtown Sacramento jail after completing her release paperwork. Video evidence depicts her confusion as she seeks clarification while signing multiple forms, leading to Gurich's visible frustration. He escalates the situation, ignoring her requests for personal space and ultimately shoving her outside the jail, causing her to fall. Thimmhardy plans to file a lawsuit over the incident, highlighting the dire need for systemic reform in treatment of inmates. Her attorney insists such incidents call for significant changes in training and accountability. The Sacramento District Attorney's Office emphasized their commitment to justice but refrained from further comment on the ongoing case.