A violent four-day crime spree across Northern California ended in a dramatic downtown San Jose shootout that left an armed carjacking suspect dead and a heroic police sergeant wounded after the criminal terrorized multiple communities with stolen Corvettes and brazen gunfights.
Story Snapshot
- 30-year-old Mohamed Husien engaged six law enforcement agencies across three counties in multiple shootouts during a violent rampage that began with stolen Corvettes and armed robberies
- San Jose Police Sergeant Gerardo Silva was shot in the head confronting the suspect but survived and was released from the hospital in good spirits within 24 hours
- The suspect carjacked two Corvettes at gunpoint and exchanged gunfire with officers in residential areas where bystanders reported hearing 20-30 gunshots
- Multi-agency coordination using license plate readers and police helicopters tracked the dangerous criminal through Sacramento, Hollister, and San Jose before the final deadly confrontation
Four-Day Reign of Terror Across Northern California
Mohamed Husien of Davis, California initiated his crime spree on January 17, 2026, by stealing a red Corvette from a Sacramento dealership before committing his first armed robbery at a convenience store. The 30-year-old suspect escalated his violence over the following days, committing at least five armed robberies across multiple cities, including San Jose liquor stores. On January 22, license plate readers detected the stolen red Corvette in San Jose, prompting a coordinated response. At 2:01 p.m., Husien carjacked a green Corvette at gunpoint from Capitol Chevrolet in San Jose, marking the beginning of an extraordinary law enforcement operation.
Multi-County Chase Resembles Action Movie Scenario
Police helicopters tracked the stolen green Corvette south to Hollister, where Husien engaged in multiple shootouts with San Benito Sheriff’s deputies and Hollister Police. The suspect demonstrated a shocking willingness to confront law enforcement repeatedly, firing at officers in broad daylight. After exchanging gunfire in Hollister, Husien carjacked another vehicle and fled northbound back toward San Jose. Six law enforcement agencies across Sacramento, San Benito, and Santa Clara counties coordinated their response as the dangerous pursuit unfolded. Police Chief Paul Joseph described the incident as resembling an action movie, with gun battles erupting in several densely populated cities and placing countless community members in danger.
Downtown Shootout Ends with Sergeant Wounded
The final confrontation occurred in downtown San Jose near Julian and Notre Dame Avenue, where residents reported hearing 20-30 gunshots in their residential neighborhood. SJPD Sergeant Gerardo Silva courageously confronted the armed suspect and was shot in the head, sustaining a fractured skull. Despite his critical injuries, Silva’s first words upon arriving at the hospital were, “Make sure someone takes care of my dogs,” a statement that San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan highlighted as reflecting the character of the city’s police force. The sergeant was hospitalized in critical but stable condition and remarkably released the following day in good spirits. Husien died during the shootout, though the exact manner of death remains under investigation by the medical examiner.
Law Enforcement Justified in Stopping Dangerous Criminal
San Jose Police Chief Paul Joseph defended the officers’ use of force during a January 23 news conference, stating that nothing about a deadly force encounter is pretty, but when faced with an incredibly dangerous individual, that person needs to be stopped. The chief emphasized that officers made split-second decisions to protect public safety as Husien repeatedly opened fire in populated areas. San Jose Police Officers’ Association President Steve Slack praised the incredible bravery exhibited by every officer, especially Sergeant Silva. This incident underscores the daily risks law enforcement faces when confronting violent criminals who show complete disregard for human life and public safety.
The successful resolution of this multi-county manhunt demonstrates the effectiveness of inter-agency coordination and modern law enforcement technology, including license plate readers and police helicopter surveillance. Mayor Mahan’s comments captured the essence of police service, noting that San Jose officers put their lives on the line to protect families during the day and then go home at night to care for their own families. While the investigation continues, the facts clearly show officers confronted an armed suspect who had already demonstrated his willingness to shoot at law enforcement and endanger innocent bystanders across multiple jurisdictions. The quick recovery of Sergeant Silva provides a measure of relief, though this incident serves as a stark reminder of the violent threats communities face and the courage required to confront them.
