A brazen crime spree, ignited by stolen Corvettes, culminated in a deadly shootout that left a veteran San Jose police sergeant wounded and the suspect dead Wednesday. The chaos unfolded across multiple counties, leaving a trail of fear and a community shaken.
The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Mohamed Husien of Davis, California, allegedly initiated the series of events on January 17th with the theft of a red Corvette in Sacramento. He then descended upon the Bay Area, escalating to armed robberies across several cities.
The situation reached a critical point in San Jose when Husien stole a green Corvette from an auto mall. Alerted by automated license plate readers, San Jose police quickly gained a crucial advantage, tracking the stolen vehicles and relaying real-time locations to patrol officers.
A slow-speed pursuit began as a police helicopter followed Husien south into San Benito County, coordinating with Hollister law enforcement. The suspect’s vehicle eventually became disabled near Buena Vista Road, triggering an initial exchange of gunfire after he opened fire on approaching officers.
Undeterred, Husien carjacked another vehicle at gunpoint and fled back towards San Jose, brazenly firing at California Highway Patrol officers during the renewed chase. He was already a person of interest in a string of robberies in East Palo Alto and San Mateo, adding to the urgency of the situation.
The final, desperate confrontation occurred near Julian and Terraine streets, just off Highway 87. Another intense exchange of gunfire erupted, resulting in Husien’s death and a gunshot wound to the San Jose police sergeant. Residents reported a barrage of 20 to 30 shots echoing through the neighborhood.
The wounded sergeant, a veteran of the force, was rushed to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in critical but stable condition. Remarkably, even while receiving immediate medical attention, his first concern was for his dogs, a testament to his character and dedication.
Video footage circulating online showed a chaotic scene, with some claiming the suspect briefly entered a police vehicle before collapsing as officers converged. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding this moment.
Police Chief Paul Joseph acknowledged the profound impact of the incident on every officer involved, stating they would carry the weight of the day’s events for a lifetime. Witnesses described the scene as resembling a warzone, highlighting the sheer intensity and terror experienced by both law enforcement and the community.
The San Jose Police Officers’ Association lauded the incredible bravery displayed by the officers, particularly the wounded sergeant, who risked his life to protect the public. They emphasized the suspect’s complete disregard for human life and the danger he posed to hundreds of innocent people.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities meticulously examining every detail of the harrowing incident. The community is left to grapple with the aftermath of a day marked by violence and the courageous actions of those sworn to protect and serve.
