SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA: A convicted California felon on probation is back in jail after he reportedly shot a police officer who was responding to a domestic disturbance call in San Jose, the city's police chief reported. Around 8.28 am on Wednesday, August 16, Chief Anthony Mata said two San Jose police officers responded to a home near Auzerais Avenue and Race Street.
They reportedly received a call from a woman who said her husband was intoxicated and trying to hit her. According to a department spokesperson, when the officers arrived at the condominium complex located west of the city's downtown area, they "made contact at the residence and immediately began taking fire from the suspect", reports KTVU FOX 2.
Who is Gabriel Mario Carreras?
The suspect, who has been identified as Gabriel Mario Carreras, 44, began firing at the two officers from the condo's balcony landing which serves as the residence's primary entrance. The police chief described the shooting as an "ambush" during a Wednesday news conference.
Carreras was taken into custody at 1.17 pm after a standoff that lasted about four hours and led to the evacuation of neighboring residents. He is currently in jail with no bonds. Mata said that Carreras was on felony probation out of Santa Clara County at the time of Wednesday's shooting.
He then described him as a "coward" with an "extensive criminal history," adding that he is a "convicted felon with a gun that he should have never had."
What happened to the responding officers?
The female officer whose name has not been disclosed, was struck by gunfire in her upper body outside of her bullet-proof vest. She was taken to Santa Clara Medical Center for treatment after her male partner, who escaped unharmed, pulled her to safety. Mata said she is in critical, but stable, condition as of Wednesday evening.
The injured officer is the first female San Jose officer to be shot in the line of duty and has 10 years of law enforcement experience. The female officer also became the second law enforcement worker to be shot in the line of duty this year.
Her partner was not named by the police department but was disclosed by his brother, who said had received high praises from the chief and said, "his actions surely contributed to both of them surviving this attack." On Wednesday afternoon, South Bay Assemblyman Evan Low, D-Cupertino, said on social media that his brother, Ryan Low, was the male San Jose officer involved in the incident.
He wrote, "Today, my brother and his partner were ambushed on duty by a gunman and his partner was shot. Please send your encouragement to the officer who remains in the hospital and to my brother who is my hero. Yes, my support for law enforcement is deeply personal, but they should also have your support. They risk this for all of us."
What did San Jose mayor say?
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan took to X shortly after the criminal was taken into custody and wished for the officer's speedy recovery.
"I am praying for the swift recovery of our @SanJosePD officer who was shot this morning while responding to a domestic violence call. She is currently at the hospital, and my thoughts are with her family during this unimaginably difficult time," Mahan wrote.
