Armed Corvette Carjacking Spree Turns San Jose Streets Into a War Zone, Officer Wounded

Armed carjacking spree involving stolen Corvettes ends in a deadly San Jose shootout, leaving a veteran police sergeant wounded and a city shaken.

Multi-county pursuit ends in deadly shootout as veteran police sergeant fights to recover

A violent armed carjacking spree involving stolen Corvettes tore through Northern California this week, ending in a deadly shootout in downtown San Jose that left a veteran police sergeant critically wounded and the suspect dead, authorities said. The chaos unfolded across multiple counties and culminated in what police described as one of the most intense and frightening incidents the city has seen in years, with residents reporting the sound of nonstop gunfire and streets turning into scenes of panic and confusion.

Crime Spree Began With Stolen Corvette in Sacramento

San Jose Police Chief Paul Joseph identified the suspect as 30-year-old Mohamed Husien of Davis, California, saying the crime spree began on January 17 when Husien allegedly stole a red Corvette in Sacramento before driving into the Bay Area. Investigators say Husien carried out a series of armed robberies and carjackings across multiple jurisdictions, prompting law enforcement agencies throughout Northern California to coordinate closely as the suspect continued to evade capture while posing a growing threat to the public.

Violence Escalated After Second Armed Carjacking in San Jose

The situation escalated sharply Wednesday afternoon when police say Husien committed another armed carjacking at a San Jose auto mall, stealing a green Corvette at gunpoint. San Jose Police Department’s Real Time Intelligence Center quickly flagged the stolen vehicle using automated license plate reader cameras, and a police helicopter tracked the suspect as he fled south into San Benito County, alerting local police and sheriff’s deputies along the way. Officers eventually located the Corvette near Central Avenue and Miller Road, initiating a slow-speed pursuit that soon turned violent.

Suspect Opens Fire and Flees on Foot

Authorities say the pursuit ended near Buena Vista Road and Westside Boulevard after the Corvette became disabled, at which point the suspect exited the vehicle armed with a handgun and began firing at officers before running on foot. Sheriff’s deputies confronted him moments later near Buena Vista Road and Line Street, exchanging gunfire as the suspect continued to flee. Investigators say Husien then carjacked another vehicle at gunpoint and sped back toward San Jose, firing shots at California Highway Patrol officers during the pursuit and putting countless drivers and bystanders in danger.

Final Shootout Leaves Suspect Dead, Officer Wounded

The chase ended near Julian and Terraine streets, just off Highway 87, where a final and intense exchange of gunfire erupted. Witnesses reported hearing between 20 and 30 gunshots as the confrontation unfolded in a residential area. Police confirmed the suspect was killed during the shootout, while a veteran San Jose police sergeant was struck by gunfire and rushed to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, where he remains in critical but stable condition and is expected to recover. A portion of Highway 87 was closed for hours as investigators processed the scene and recovered evidence, including a handgun equipped with an extended magazine.

Police Describe Scene as “Closest Thing to War”

Chief Joseph said the emotional toll of the incident will stay with officers and community members alike, noting that some residents described the chaos as the closest thing to war they had ever witnessed. He emphasized that while San Jose officers were not directly involved in the pursuit until it returned to city limits, the department’s helicopter played a key role in tracking the suspect and sharing real-time intelligence with outside agencies throughout the incident.

Officers Praised for Bravery Under Fire

San Jose Police Officers’ Association President Steve Slack praised the actions of the wounded sergeant and fellow officers, saying they ran toward danger to protect the public as the suspect showed complete disregard for human life. Slack said the injured sergeant remains in good spirits and that officers across the department are rallying to support him and his family during recovery.

Mayor Shares Officer’s First Words at Hospital

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan shared a moment that captured the attention of the community, revealing that the wounded sergeant’s first words after arriving at the hospital were, “Make sure someone takes care of my dogs.” The mayor said the comment reflected the character of the department and the kind of people who serve the city, risking their lives for others while still thinking about loved ones even in the most critical moments.

Investigation Continues

Authorities say the incident remains under investigation as they review body camera footage, aerial video, and witness statements to determine the full sequence of events. For residents caught in the middle of the chaos, the violent pursuit served as a stark reminder of how quickly public spaces can turn dangerous and how heavily communities depend on coordinated law enforcement responses during moments of extreme crisis.