San Jose police sergeant wounded, suspect dead in carjacking gunfight

Deadly Shootout Followed Armed Carjacking in San Jose

A dramatic armed carjacking incident that began with the theft of a Corvette ended on Wednesday with a fatal shootout, which injured a veteran police sergeant from San Jose and left the suspect dead, according to local authorities.

On Thursday, police reported that the injured sergeant is recovering well in the hospital after being shot during a complex, multi-agency response. Initially admitted in critical but stable condition, he is expected to make a full recovery.

San Jose Police Chief Paul Joseph identified the suspect as 30-year-old Mohamed Hussien from Davis, California. The crime spree reportedly kicked off on January 17 in Sacramento when Hussien allegedly stole a red Corvette before heading to the Bay Area and committing various robberies across several jurisdictions.

Authorities noted that tensions rose sharply after Hussien executed another armed carjacking at a San Jose auto mall, stealing yet another Corvette—this time, a green one.

The police said their Real-Time Information Center helped identify the stolen red Corvette using license plate recognition technology, allowing officers to track its location prior to the shootout.

A police helicopter monitored Hussien’s movements as he drove south into San Benito County, alerting local law enforcement by around 2:48 p.m. Officers located the vehicle and initiated a low-speed chase, which ultimately ended when the car became disabled near Buena Vista Road and Westside Boulevard.

Upon abandoning the vehicle, Hussien, armed with a handgun, fired at officers and ran on foot. Deputies confronted him shortly afterward on Buena Vista Road, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. The suspect then carjacked another vehicle at gunpoint and continued his flight toward San Jose, where he again fired at California Highway Patrol troopers during the pursuit.

As the situation escalated, another encounter occurred near Julian Street and Terrain Street off Highway 87, marked by more gunfire. Tragically, the suspect died in the crash, while the San Jose sergeant sustained injuries from Hussien’s gunfire. Witnesses described the sounds of 20 to 30 gunshots during the incident, which prompted the closure of part of Highway 87 for several hours as investigators worked at the scene.

Joseph remarked on the emotional toll this incident has had on officers involved, stating, “All of the police officers… will carry the weight of what happened for the rest of their lives.” He also acknowledged that some community members described the situation as “the closest thing to war they’ve ever witnessed,” highlighting the intense nature of the confrontation.

In support of the injured sergeant, Steve Slack, president of the San Jose Police Officers Association, emphasized the bravery exhibited by the officers present. He characterized the suspect as a dangerous criminal who placed many lives at risk, asserting that the officers “ran toward the gunfire” to neutralize the threat.

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan shared a glimpse of the sergeant’s character, recounting that his first words upon arrival at the hospital were a request to ensure someone would take care of his dog. “That’s the kind of person he is,” Mahan noted, reflecting on the dedication of police personnel who routinely place their lives on the line.