San Jose police have arrested three teenagers, ages 14, 14 and 16. Police say the SUV they were in hit an officer during a traffic stop near North 21st and Santa Clara streets at about 2:55 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19.
Why it matters: A second officer fired one shot during the stop. Police say it was the city's fourth police shooting this year. The suspects' ages have prompted new debate about youth violence.
What police say
- As officers walked up to the SUV, the driver drove toward one of them and hit him, police spokesperson Stacie Shih said. That officer's injuries were not life-threatening.
- The second officer fired one round from his department-issued handgun. No one in the SUV was hit.
- License-plate reader cameras helped officers find the SUV empty near Lucretia Avenue and Tully Road. It turned out to be stolen, though it had not been reported stolen.
- A rideshare driver then reported an attempted carjacking on the 2300 block of Balme Drive. Officers found the three teens hiding nearby.
Charges
One 14-year-old was booked into Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a stolen vehicle. The other two were booked on suspicion of obstructing an officer and possession of a stolen vehicle.
City response
Mayor Matt Mahan said the suspects' ages were heartbreaking. He said San Jose is spending $7 million this year on programs for at-risk youth, plus another $3 million aimed at the Mayfair and Seven Trees neighborhoods. The SJPD homicide unit and the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office are investigating the shooting.
Sources: ABC7 and Next City Digest.