A violent crime spree that stretched across multiple cities in Northern California came to a dramatic and deadly end Wednesday afternoon in downtown San Jose, following a high-risk police pursuit and a shootout that left a suspect dead and a San Jose police sergeant seriously injured. The incident, which unfolded in broad daylight, was captured on law enforcement video and has since raised serious questions about public safety, police response, and the dangers officers face in the line of duty.

Authorities identified the suspect as 30-year-old Muhammed Hussein, who was killed after police used deadly force to stop what they described as an immediate and ongoing threat to officers and the public. During the final confrontation, a San Jose Police Department (SJPD) sergeant was shot in the head, suffering a fractured skull. Despite the severity of the injury, officials said the officer is expected to recover.
Contents
- 1 A Suspect Deemed Extremely Dangerous and Video
- 2 The Crime Spree Begins in Sacramento
- 3 Armed Robberies and Carjackings Across the Region
- 4 Gunpoint Carjacking in San Jose
- 5 Helicopter Surveillance and Escalating Danger
- 6 Exchange of Gunfire in Hollister
- 7 Shots Fired at California Highway Patrol Officers
- 8 Final Confrontation in Downtown San Jose
- 9 Use of Deadly Force Ends the Threat
- 10 Officer’s Condition and Department Support
- 11 Video Footage and Public Reaction
- 12 Community Impact and Safety Concerns
A Suspect Deemed Extremely Dangerous and Video
Law enforcement officials described Hussein as an armed and highly dangerous suspect whose actions over several days placed numerous communities at risk. According to investigators, Hussein’s alleged crime spree involved multiple armed robberies, carjackings, and exchanges of gunfire with police across Northern California.
San Jose Shooting Full Video
As the manhunt intensified, police agencies across different jurisdictions coordinated efforts to track and contain the suspect. Authorities emphasized that Hussein’s willingness to fire at officers and civilians alike elevated the threat level and required an aggressive law enforcement response.
The Crime Spree Begins in Sacramento
Police said the violent chain of events began on January 17 in Sacramento, when Hussein allegedly stole a red Corvette from a local dealership. Investigators believe the theft was not an isolated incident but rather the starting point of a broader criminal rampage.

Shortly after the vehicle theft, Hussein allegedly began committing a series of armed robberies and carjackings, using stolen vehicles to move quickly between cities. Authorities said his pattern of behavior showed escalating violence, with each encounter posing increasing danger to victims and responding officers.
Armed Robberies and Carjackings Across the Region
Over the following days, Hussein was allegedly linked to multiple armed robberies across Northern California. In several cases, he is accused of threatening victims with a firearm before stealing vehicles or personal property. Law enforcement officials noted that the suspect’s actions spread fear throughout affected communities, as residents were warned to remain vigilant.
The nature of the crimes also complicated police efforts. With stolen high-performance vehicles and frequent changes in location, Hussein was able to evade capture for a period of time, despite being actively sought by authorities.
Gunpoint Carjacking in San Jose
The situation reached a critical point Wednesday when Hussein allegedly carjacked a green Corvette at gunpoint in San Jose. The brazen act occurred during daylight hours, further alarming residents and prompting an immediate police response.
Officers quickly located the stolen vehicle and initiated a pursuit. Given the suspect’s history and the presence of a firearm, the chase was classified as high-risk. A police helicopter was deployed to track Hussein’s movements from the air, allowing ground units to coordinate while maintaining some distance.
Helicopter Surveillance and Escalating Danger
As the pursuit continued, Hussein fled San Jose and headed toward Hollister, traveling at high speeds. Police helicopter footage showed the suspect weaving through traffic, endangering other motorists and pedestrians along the route.
Authorities said aerial surveillance was crucial in maintaining visual contact while minimizing the risk of a dangerous ground pursuit. However, the situation continued to escalate as Hussein refused to surrender and instead increased his level of violence.
Exchange of Gunfire in Hollister
Upon reaching Hollister, Hussein encountered local law enforcement officers. According to police, the encounter quickly turned violent, with Hussein allegedly exchanging gunfire with officers. No officers were reported injured during this portion of the pursuit, but the shootout underscored the severity of the threat.
After the exchange, Hussein managed to flee once again, allegedly carjacking another vehicle to continue his escape. Authorities said the suspect’s repeated willingness to fire at police left them with limited options to safely resolve the situation.
Shots Fired at California Highway Patrol Officers
As Hussein made his way back toward San Jose, the pursuit involved additional agencies, including the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Police said Hussein fired shots at CHP officers while driving, further escalating the danger.
At this stage, authorities described the incident as an active, mobile threat spanning multiple jurisdictions. Officers were forced to balance the need to stop the suspect with the responsibility of protecting the public in heavily traveled areas.
Final Confrontation in Downtown San Jose
The pursuit ultimately ended in downtown San Jose, an area densely populated with businesses, traffic, and pedestrians. Police said Hussein stopped his vehicle and engaged officers in a final confrontation.
During the encounter, Hussein shot an SJPD sergeant in the head. The officer sustained a fractured skull and was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment. Despite the serious injury, police later confirmed that the sergeant is expected to survive.
Authorities said the shooting marked a turning point, as Hussein then attempted to steal the wounded officer’s patrol vehicle, posing an immediate risk of further violence.
Use of Deadly Force Ends the Threat
Faced with what they described as an imminent and ongoing threat, officers opened fire on Hussein. Police also struck him with a patrol vehicle in an effort to stop his actions. Hussein was pronounced dead at the scene.
Law enforcement officials stated that the use of deadly force was necessary to protect officers and the public. They emphasized that Hussein had demonstrated a clear intent to continue his violent behavior, leaving officers with no viable alternative.
Officer’s Condition and Department Support
The injured SJPD sergeant remains hospitalized but is expected to recover, according to officials. The department expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community and from fellow law enforcement agencies across the state.
Police leadership highlighted the risks officers face daily and praised the actions of those involved in bringing the situation to an end. Counseling and support services have been made available to officers affected by the incident.
Video Footage and Public Reaction
Law enforcement video capturing portions of the pursuit and final confrontation has been released, drawing widespread public attention. While many praised police for stopping a dangerous suspect, others have called for a thorough review of the use of force.
Authorities confirmed that standard protocols, including internal investigations and reviews by independent agencies, will be followed to ensure transparency and accountability.
Community Impact and Safety Concerns
The crime spree has left many residents shaken, particularly given its daytime nature and the number of locations involved. Community leaders have called for renewed discussions on crime prevention, mental health resources, and inter-agency coordination.
Police urged the public to remain alert and to report suspicious activity, stressing that community cooperation is vital in preventing similar incidents.
The deadly confrontation in downtown San Jose marked the end of a violent crime spree that spanned days and endangered countless lives across Northern California. While the threat has been neutralized, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement and the lasting impact such violence has on communities.
As investigations continue, attention remains focused on the recovery of the injured officer and the broader lessons to be learned from one of the region’s most intense police pursuits in recent memory.
