Updated 1/25/24

Elk Grove (MPG) – Officials at the Elk Grove Unified School District say that security policies at its athletic events remain as is following a Jan. 19 incident in which police following up on a tip stopped a basketball game to arrest a suspect believed to be carrying a loaded handgun.

During a boys basketball game at Cosumnes Oaks High School Elk Grove Police officers, during a time out in the third quarter of the Wolfpacks game against Sheldon, approached an 18-year-old male. He tried to run away, but he was caught by a police K9 outside the gym.

Officers recovered a handgun and, according to EGPD, there were no injuries to anyone except the suspect who was bitten by the K9. Then numerous police personnel arrived, asked fans to stay in the stands while several people at the game were searched. The basketball fans, teams and school officials were told to stay in their seats and not leave. Two other suspects were detained at the scene and ultimately released at the conclusion of the investigation, according to Elk Grove Police.

"The district does not currently have any plans to change safety and security before/during sporting events," EGUSD Communications Manager Lori Wallace emailed the Citizen Jan. 25.

The basketball game was cancelled midway through the third quarter with Sheldon leading, 57-35.

“It was a little chaotic but the police did their job and made sure everyone was safe,” Cosumnes Oak basketball coach Patrick Roth texted Jan. 20.

The suspect, Dominik Warda (no residence given), was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail where he is being held and is ineligible for bail on several firearm-related charges as well as resisting arrest and for an outstanding warrant.

“A commendable instance of teamwork among the community, school officials, Elk Grove Police officers and Sacramento County Sheriff’s deputies to ensure the safety of everyone involved,” police wrote in their post on Facebook.

But the question lingers what should be done to insure no one else tries to bring in a loaded gun into a sporting event locally?  The Board of Trustees met Tuesday in a daytime workshop session and were told of the incident, but no action or discussion was undertaken according to board member Nancy Chaires-Espinoza.

"I take it as yet another example of how effective our message of 'if you see something, say something' is in the District," Chaires-Espinoza texted the Citizen.

EGUSD has budgeted more than $200,000 annually for security in the form of Elk Grove Police officers and Sacramento Sheriff's deputies to man sports events, mainly football and basketball games. That money is taken out of the athletics budget. There are no metal detectors used at the doors anywhere in EGUSD, much like what is at entrances of sports arenas such as the Golden One Center.

Backpacks and beverage containers are not allowed into sporting events throughout the District. 

Wiggins uniform to be retired

In much happier local news, “Little” Kenny Wiggins’ pro football jersey will be retired on the south wall of the Cartwright Gym in a special ceremony at halftime of the Elk Grove boys basketball game on Jan. 26. Wiggins’ San Diego Chargers uniform No. 79 will be encased and hung next to Bill Cartwright’s Knicks and Bulls jerseys, Adrian Ross’ Cincinnati Bengals jersey and Lance Briggs’ Chicago Bears jersey. 

A 2006 Elk Grove grad, Wiggins played for Fresno State and then was undrafted, yet signed to

File Photo

Elk Grove High School will honor 11-year NFL veteran and alumnus Kenny Wiggins on Jan. 26 at halftime of the Herd's boys basketball game.

  the practice squad of the 49ers. He later played for the Chargers and played all three offensive line positions.

The 6-8, 310-pounder signed a free agent contract with the Detroit Lions and played for them, wrapping up his career with the New York Giants. He ended up playing 11 seasons in the NFL.

Wiggins, who was also an outstanding basketball player at Elk Grove, has been living the past several years in the Fresno area and is a part owner of a couple businesses. Nowadays Wiggins enjoys hosting a podcast, “One Degree Off the Field, Into the World.”

Ferrell earns career win No. 500

A personal milestone almost went unnoticed last month in the Metro Conference. Burbank High School’s basketball coach Lindsey Ferrell won his 500th game in his 32-year career at the south Sacramento school. From 1992-2004 he coached the Lady Titans and in 2005 took over the boys program. Annually the Titans have been in the post-season and at or near the top of the Metro Conference.

This season Ferrell’s Burbank team is 16-6 through Jan. 19. That night the Titans were overwhelmed by a very talented Monterey Trail squad, 86-64, yet Ferrell’s boys were playing hard to the end. It’s likely Burbank will make noise in the playoffs which are now about three weeks away. A congratulations to a terrific mentor to young men and women.