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 numerous 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 officers located the suspect in San Benito County, eventually leading to a confrontation near Buena Vista Road. Husien, armed with a handgun, opened fire on officers before attempting to flee on foot, sparking an exchange of gunfire with sheriff’s deputies.
Undeterred, Husien then carjacked another vehicle at gunpoint, turning back toward San Jose and firing upon California Highway Patrol officers during the ensuing chase. The suspect was already wanted in connection with a string of robberies in East Palo Alto and San Mateo, adding to the gravity of the situation.
The final, desperate stand 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. Bystanders reported a barrage of 20 to 30 shots echoing through the neighborhood.
The wounded sergeant, transported to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, is currently in stable condition and expected to recover. Remarkably, his first words upon arriving at the hospital were a concern for his dogs, a testament to his character and dedication beyond the call of duty.
Police helicopter footage circulating online appears to show the suspect briefly interacting with a police vehicle before collapsing as officers converged. The exact circumstances surrounding this moment remain under investigation by the medical examiner.
The police chief 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. Residents described the scene as resembling a warzone, highlighting the sheer intensity and terror experienced by both law enforcement and the community.
The police officers’ association lauded the incredible bravery displayed by all involved, particularly the wounded sergeant, who confronted a suspect with a complete disregard for human life. Officers ran directly toward the danger, ultimately neutralizing the threat and protecting countless innocent people.
The investigation is ongoing, as authorities piece together the full scope of Husien’s crime spree and the events leading up to the tragic shootout. 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.
