Suspect shot by police allegedly tried to ignite gas pump, charged at officers

Officers shot and wounded a suspect trying to light a gas pump on fire Saturday morning at a San Jose gas station near the Eastridge Center shopping mall, police said.

The suspect, whose name was not released, was in stable condition at a hospital on Saturday afternoon, San Jose police said in a news release.

Officers were first called about 7:15 a.m. to the Arco gas station at 2375 Quimby Road and found the suspect trying to light paper on fire in the nozzle of a gas pump, according to police.

The suspect allegedly charged at officers with a metal bar and they tried to subdue him with less-lethal methods, police said.

When that didn’t work they shot him, but police didn’t say how many times they fired or how many bullets hit the suspect.

One officer was treated at a hospital and released for a minor injury.

During the incident, the officers’ body worn cameras were activated, police said.

The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office and San Jose police are investigating the shooting. The San Jose Police Department’s Internal Affairs Unit, the City Attorney’s Office, and the Office of the Independent Police Auditor are monitoring the case.

The officers involved will be placed on routine paid administrative leave, police said.

San Jose Police Chief Eddie Garcia is expected to provide a statement about the shooting on Monday afternoon.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sgt. John Cary or Detective Ramon Sanchez of the San Jose Police Department’s Homicide Unit at (408) 277-5283.

Persons wishing to remain anonymous may either call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line, (408) 947-STOP (7867), or click the “Submit a Tip” link below. Persons providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect may be eligible for a cash reward from the Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers.