Police say 23-year-old ran over suspected protester while doing donuts near San Jose City Hall

Stephanie Sierra Image
Thursday, June 4, 2020
23-year-old woman arrested for allegedly running over San Jose pedestrian, officials say
A 23-year-old woman has been arrested for allegedly running over a suspected protester near San Jose City Hall Tuesday night.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- A 23-year-old woman has been arrested for allegedly running over a suspected protester near San Jose City Hall Tuesday night.

According to police, Yuridia Ochoa was driving along E. Santa Clara St. between 4th and 5th St.

"The suspect was doing donuts and ran over pedestrians with her vehicle, leaving the pedestrian on the ground in an unknown condition," said Police Chief Eddie Garcia.

Garcia said Ochoa drove away after allegedly hitting the pedestrian and led police on a short chase until her car was spotted in a nearby parking garage.

"The suspect did not follow the officer's commands and drove backwards into the officer," said Garcia. "The officer fired at least once at the suspect."

Ochoa and the victim hit were transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. No officers were injured.

Ochoa is charged with felony hit and run and assault with a deadly weapon on an officer.

"She was on active probation, battery, resisting arrest, dui, and driving under a suspended license," Garcia said.

Police didn't reveal the name of the officer who shot the suspect, but Chief Garcia confirmed he's been on the force for 13 years and is now on administrative leave.

The Santa Clara District Attorney's Office and the San Jose Police Department's Homicide Unit are conducting a criminal investigation.

ABC7 News also asked Chief Garcia about the violent protests across San Jose. We were told there will be a conversation about recent videos that have surfaced on social media criticizing the department's use of force toward protestors.

"We are going to look at all the tactics we use throughout the week and make determinations after that as to what we can do better," Garcia said.