The incident started around 1:30 p.m. when police responded to a call reporting a naked man acting erratically in the street at Valerie Drive and Eva Court, near San Tomas Park, San Jose police Sgt. Enrique Garcia said.
The man was also involved in at least one crash with a citizen during the pursuit, Garcia said.
At least two officers then fired about a dozen shots at the man, according to United Towing employee James Shaw, who said he witnessed the shooting from across the street.
"Our officers attempted to make the car stop and take the suspect into custody. During that encounter multi-officers fired at the suspect. He was struck at least once. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital and he is listed with life-threatening injuries," said Garcia.
Stevens Creek Boulevard was shut down for the investigation. No officers were injured during the incident.
Bay City News contributed to this report