A major collision resulting from a police chase in San Jose on Monday was initially sparked when an officer was attacked with a box cutter, according to investigators. The San Jose Police Department reported the arrest of two suspects in connection with this incident.
Officers responded to a report of an individual brandishing a gun at a store clerk on the 3000 block of Story Road around 5:43 p.m. Monday. The suspect had allegedly stolen merchandise and left the store before the police arrived.
Officers located a vehicle matching the suspect vehicle’s description, which was occupied by a man and a woman. When police attempted a traffic stop near the intersection of Clayton Road and Harvest Drive, the male suspect reportedly refused to comply, assaulted the officer with a box cutter, and then fled in the vehicle driven by the woman.
The ensuing police chase ended when the suspect vehicle ran a red light at Story and Capitol Expressway, leading to a multi-vehicle crash. All involved parties sustained non-life threatening injuries.
The suspects attempted to flee on foot after the crash but were apprehended by officers. A subsequent search revealed a replica firearm and the box cutter believed to have been used in the assault on the officer. Both suspects were booked into Santa Clara Main Jail on multiple felony charges.
The identities of the two suspects are expected to be released in the coming days. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and dangers law enforcement officers face in the line of duty and the importance of adhering to traffic laws and police instructions for public safety.