Crime & Safety
Wanted Man Allegedly Shot 2 SJ Officers During Domestic Violence Call
Police allege the man opened fire on the officers with a stolen gun, was hit by return fire, then jumped out a plate glass window.
SAN JOSE, CA — A man wanted by police on a domestic violence warrant and for a probation violation allegedly used a stolen pistol to shoot two San Jose police officers who were responding to a call about a disturbance at a hotel in the city's Santa Teresa neighborhood Thursday night, according to Interim Police Chief Paul Joseph.
One of the officers was treated and released from a hospital and one remains in critical condition. Both are expected to survive.
The pair were allegedly shot by 33-year-old Kevin Briones at a hotel in the 6100 block of San Ignacio Avenue at about 10:30 p.m. Thursday.
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They had been called to the hotel by the front desk clerk who reported that a guest said someone she knew and had a restraining order against was banging on the door to her room, according to Joseph.
When officers arrived, they found Briones in the hallway holding a duffel bag.
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"In less than one minute after officers first contacted the suspect, he retrieved a stolen handgun from the duffel bag and fired at the officers," Joseph said.
At least one officer then exchanged gunfire with Briones, who was shot and ran down the third-floor hallway, broke through a plate glass window and jumped to the ground.
He was soon discovered hiding in a nearby property by responding officers.
Joeseph said that three children -- ages 8, 10 and 15 -- were also in the hotel room at the time of the shooting.
"I think the motives of a felon and abuser bringing a stolen gun to confront a brave survivor and children sheltering in a hotel room are self-evident," he said. "It's clear to me that these lives were all in grave danger and these officers are the reason they survived this horrific and traumatic incident."
Joseph said the officers' body cameras were turned on and captured video of the violent confrontation.
Briones was taken to the hospital and is being treated for life-threatening injuries.
Joseph said that it was the second time that night officers had been called to that hotel room.
During the first call, the woman staying at the hotel said she believed Briones was on his way there to confront her but he was not at that location when officers arrived.
"It's hard to describe all of the emotions following the near loss of two members of our police family, brave and courageous officers who fought for their lives and the lives of strangers," Joseph said.
Story by Kiley Russell, Bay City News.
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