A multi-day crime spree involving armed robberies and carjackings across Northern California culminated in a deadly police shootout in San Jose on Wednesday. The suspect, 30-year-old Muhammed Hussein, died after being shot by police and then run over by a vehicle.
Timeline of Events
The crime spree began on January 17th, when Hussein allegedly stole a red Corvette from a dealership in Sacramento. Over the following days, he committed multiple armed robberies throughout Northern California and the Bay Area. On Wednesday, license plate readers identified the stolen Corvette in San Jose, though officers initially failed to locate the driver.
The situation escalated when Hussein stole a bright green Corvette at gunpoint from a San Jose dealership, initiating a police chase. A police helicopter tracked Hussein approximately 45 miles south to Hollister, where a shootout occurred with San Benito sheriff’s deputies and Hollister Police. Hussein then stole another vehicle in Hollister, an event captured on cell phone video, and drove back towards San Jose, firing at California Highway Patrol officers along the way.
The pursuit ended in downtown San Jose, where video footage shows Hussein shooting a San Jose Police Department sergeant in the head, fracturing his skull. Hussein then attempted to steal the sergeant’s patrol car before being shot by police and subsequently run over.
San Jose Police Chief Paul Joseph described the scene as “a battle for that sergeant’s life unfolding in the middle of our city in broad daylight with members of the public in the crossfire.” He acknowledged the difficult nature of using deadly force, stating, “Nothing about a deadly force encounter is pretty.”
The police sergeant is expected to survive his injuries. An investigation into the use of force is underway, and all collected images and video, including body camera footage, will be released within 45 days, as mandated by state law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What crimes was Muhammed Hussein accused of committing?
Muhammed Hussein was accused of multiple armed robberies and carjackings across Northern California and the Bay Area, beginning with the theft of a Corvette from a Sacramento dealership on January 17th.
What was the condition of the police sergeant after the shooting?
The San Jose Police Department sergeant was shot in the head, fracturing his skull, but is expected to survive.
What will happen next regarding the police use of force?
A lengthy investigation will begin into the fatal use of force. All images and video collected by police, including body camera footage, will be released in 45 days per state law.
Given the ongoing investigation and pending release of evidence, how might public perception of this incident shift as more details become available?