Three San Jose officers on paid leave after shooting involving naked man

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ByDavid Louie KGO logo
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
3 San Jose officers on paid leave after shooting involving man
San Jose's police chief is saying he doesn't believe any policies were violated in the officer-involved shooting of a man running around naked in a residential neighborhood on Friday.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- Officials said three police officers are on paid administrative leave after they allegedly shot a man in West San Jose on Friday afternoon, leaving him in critical condition.




San Jose's police chief is saying he doesn't believe any policies were violated in the officer-involved shooting of a man running around naked in a residential neighborhood.



The suspect remains in critical condition.



RELATED: Naked man shot by SJ police after high-speed chase



Residents had called police because a man was walking around naked in front of children and adults on Eva Court near Valerie Drive.



San Jose resident John Bradley Bowles, 53, took off in a pick-up truck, leading police on a four-mile pursuit to a major shopping center on Stevens Creek Boulevard at Lawrence Expressway.



"The suspect did not comply with commands and aimed what appeared to be a weapon at the officers, and one officer subsequently fired at the suspect," San Jose Police Department Chief. Eddie Garcia said.



It was discovered later the weapon was a caulking gun. In the parking lot, the suspect then revved up the engine and appeared ready to drive off again. The pickup had already hit several vehicles during the police chase.



"Additional officers fired their weapons at the suspect out of fear that he was going to enter the crowded parking lot and strike innocent people. A total of three officers fired at the suspect, striking him several times," Garcia said.



The three officers who fired shots were all were wearing body cameras, and the video will be reviewed as part of the investigation by police and the district attorney's office.




The officers are all veterans with service ranging from 21 to 24 years.



Bowles was transported to Valley Medical Center where he remains in critical condition.



Garcia says Bowles has a history of mental illness.



He's facing charges of assault with a deadly weapon, annoying and molesting a child, evasion and hit and run. "It appears the officers used that force because they wanted to save lives," Garcia said.



Bay City News contributed to this story.

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