SJPD shooting leaves barricaded suspect with knife in critical, but stable condition: police

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- A domestic violence suspect was shot and injured by San Jose Police on Sunday and is in critical but stable condition, the department said.

San Jose Police Chief Paul Joseph said at a Monday press conference that the suspect had "terrorized" his own family and others in the home in a case that escalated from physical violence to an intimate partner to a stab wound to a family member.

At about 7:46 p.m., officers arrived in the 60 block of Sutter Street on a report of a family disturbance. A woman said her intoxicated husband had thrown dishes at her in their kitchen. She said she had locked herself and four other children in a bedroom to get away from him, according to police. She said she was frightened to leave the bedroom because he had allegedly threatened to kill her.

Officers met with a family member outside of the residence who said he had to intervene between the suspect and a family member to stop him from physically assaulting the person. Police believe that the suspect had been armed with a knife and had slashed the arm of the family member that had intervened; the family member said he was able to disarm the suspect and get outside.

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Police evacuated the house of family members at risk and told the suspect to surrender, which he did not heed. Officers went inside and found the suspect hiding under a large pile of clothing in a bedroom, they said.

"Officers gave him multiple, multiple commands to show his hands and warned him that force may be used if he did not comply," said Joseph.

Police allege the suspect emerged from the pile of clothes brandishing a knife, which he was commanded to drop. Officers allege that the suspect advanced on them with the knife raised. A Taser was employed, but the suspect used a blanket to block the barbs.

Officers allege the suspect continued to move towards them with the knife, so one officer fired discharged their firearm, striking the suspect. The suspect then barricaded himself in the bedroom.

Police negotiators arrived and eventually at about 11:50 p.m., he was taken into custody.

San Jose Police have identified the suspect as Heraclio Mejia, 44. He was in critical but stable condition at a hospital Monday afternoon.

Joseph said Mejia has a history of domestic violence and was the subject of a restraining order.

The officer who shot Mejia has not been identified, but Joseph said he has been with the department for six years. The department has not released any body-worn camera footage of the shooting but they did release some still shots of the altercation.

As with all officer-involved shootings in the city, this case will be investigated by the San Jose Police Department internal affairs unit, the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office, the office of the independent police auditor and the City Attorney's Office, Joseph said.

"I want to acknowledge that last night's incident will leave lasting trauma on the family, the community and the officers who were forced to navigate such violence," said Joseph. "Our officers showed bravery and composure during this incident, and without hesitation, put their lives in danger to protect others."