Photo: Stock Image
In response to a distress call at approximately 8:10 a.m. on November 22, 2023, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office mobilized to a residence in the 12800 block of Nevada City Highway. The call reported the unauthorized entry multiple men into the home, one of whom was recognized by the caller.
Deputies arrived at the scene, where two of the three reported trespassers voluntarily exited the residence upon contact. However, one man resisted, remaining inside the victim’s home and making threats towards both the resident and law enforcement. The individual claimed to be armed with a knife and asserted his intention to defend himself.
In light of the escalating situation, the Sheriff’s Office engaged specialized units, including the Mobile Crisis Team (MCT), Special Enforcement Detail (SED), and Critical Incident Negotiations Team (CINT). For precautionary measures, investigators temporarily closed Nevada City Highway from Banner Lava Cap Rd on the south end to Ridge Rd on the north end.
Complicating the incident, first responders on the scene reported the smell of natural gas. Utility services were promptly summoned, but no gas leaks were detected, and the odor was determined to be unrelated to the ongoing trespasser standoff.
Negotiators engaged in intermittent communication with the barricaded suspect over several hours. The resolution came at approximately 1:15 p.m. when the individual, identified as 54-year-old Jamal Walker of Grass Valley, agreed to exit the residence without further incident. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and no other individuals were found within the home.
Walker now faces charges including Criminal Threats, Trespassing, Vandalism, and Obstruction/Resisting Arrest. He has been booked into the Wayne Brown Correctional Facility.
