The man allegedly drove off with the gas nozzle still attached to his car. When he returned, he pulled out a lighter and threatened to light the fire.
#SJPD still have Quimby Rd. at Capital closed near #EastridgeMall following officer involed #shooting at the corner Arco Gas station.
— Anser Hassan (@AnserHassan) January 4, 2020
• 1 suspect shot, hospitalized
• No ETA for when road will reopen
• If headed to the mall, expect delayshttps://t.co/EuTF4JBJDP pic.twitter.com/neujalVOUi
The gas station manager, who wouldn't speak on camera, says the store employee called her at home asking what to do after reporting the driver to police.
The manager says she guided the employee on how to shut off the gas.
"That's crazy! It could have blown up!" says Maria Pena, who lives nearby. She is one of many nearby residents who are thankful the situation didn't escalate.
According to San Jose police, the man was armed with a metal bar and charged at officers.
In an email to ABC7 News, San Jose police write: "Officers used multiple less lethal options that had no effect. The officers ultimately discharged their firearms in response."
The suspect was allegedly shot in the torso. He was taken to the hospital and is in stable condition.
#UPDATE: Parts of Capitol Expwy and Quimby Rd. still closed near #Acro station. #SJPD shot a man who allegedly tried to ignite paper in nozzle of gas pump. #Police say suspect was armed and charged officers. Suspect in stable condition.https://t.co/EuTF4JBJDP pic.twitter.com/iecyfXsySQ
— Anser Hassan (@AnserHassan) January 4, 2020
The area was littered with evidence markers, including what appeared to be the non-lethal items police described.
Not only was traffic impacted with the street closures, but VTA buses weren't stopping at the mall because of the police investigation.
Ranjit Singh lives just blocks away from the Acro station. He says he grateful the gas station employee was able to shut off the gas. He says his neighborhood and the nearby mall could have been at risk.
"Maybe it would (impact) the shopping center. Many people (could) have died," says Singh. "It's very scary. It's very dangerous."
One officer had a minor injury. He was treated and released. San Jose Police will hold a press conference on Monday with an update.
Stay with ABC7 News for this developing story.