Multi-County Theft Spree Ends in San Jose

A sequence of criminal acts across Northern California involving a suspect with a firearm concluded in a downtown San Jose confrontation. The incident resulted in the suspect’s death and an injury to San Jose Police Sergeant Gerardo Silva. The 30-year-old suspect, identified as Mohamed Husien, reportedly stole two Corvettes and committed at least five armed robberies across three counties before being tracked and detained by a multi-agency law enforcement team. Official reports confirm Sergeant Silva sustained a gunshot injury to the head but was released from the hospital on January 23, 2026, and is expected to make a full recovery.

Story Highlights

The 30-year-old suspect, Mohamed Husien, was involved in the theft of two Corvettes and committed a minimum of five armed robberies across three counties over a four-day period.
The suspect exchanged fire with six law enforcement agencies, discharging a firearm in residential areas.
San Jose Police Sergeant Gerardo Silva sustained a head injury during the confrontation and has been released from the hospital.
The suspect’s movements through Sacramento, San Benito, and Santa Clara counties were tracked via multi-agency coordination utilizing license plate readers and police helicopters.

Four-Day Incident Sequence

Mohamed Husien, a 30-year-old individual from Davis, California, began the incident sequence on January 17, 2026, with the theft of a red Corvette from a Sacramento dealership, followed by the first reported armed robbery at a convenience store. The suspect’s activities continued over subsequent days, including the execution of at least five armed robberies across multiple jurisdictions. Law enforcement records indicate three additional armed robberies occurred on January 18, with at least one taking place in San Jose. The sequence of events led to a confrontation on January 22 after license plate readers detected the stolen red Corvette in San Jose.

UPDATE: Mohamed Husien,30,ID’d as suspect who died after spree of carjackings & shootouts w/law enforcement,ending when he opens fire w/gun w//extended mag & shoots & wounds @SanJosePD sergeant in head, per @SJPD_AC_Joseph @MattMahanSJ. Sergeant released from hospital to applause pic.twitter.com/I6Zb8j2C2q

— Henry K. Lee (@henrykleeKTVU) January 23, 2026

Multi-County Law Enforcement Pursuit

At 2:01 p.m. on January 22, Husien executed a vehicle theft with a firearm for a green Corvette at Capitol Chevrolet in San Jose, initiating a multi-agency pursuit. Six law enforcement agencies spanning Sacramento, San Benito, and Santa Clara counties coordinated their response, utilizing a police helicopter to track the suspect south toward Hollister. The suspect exchanged fire with San Benito Sheriff’s deputies and Hollister Police before stealing another vehicle and proceeding northbound. Official reports indicate witnesses in residential areas reported hearing approximately 20 to 30 shots discharged during the pursuit.

Sergeant Injured in Final Confrontation

The pursuit concluded near Julian and Notre Dame Avenue in downtown San Jose, leading to a confrontation between Sergeant Gerardo Silva and the armed suspect. During the exchange of fire, Sergeant Silva sustained a gunshot injury to the head, resulting in a fractured skull, and was hospitalized in critical but stable condition. The suspect was killed during the incident. The manner of death is currently under investigation by the medical examiner.

Official Statements and Incident Review

San Jose Police Chief Paul Joseph issued a statement regarding the use of force during a news conference on January 23, citing an immediate need for action to stop the armed individual. San Jose Police Officers’ Association President Steve Slack commended the actions exhibited by the officers involved, specifically recognizing Sergeant Silva’s role in the confrontation. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan stated that the incident reflects the dedication of the city’s police force. Sergeant Silva was released from the hospital on January 23 and is reported to be in good spirits, with a full recovery expected. Law enforcement officials highlighted the role of technology, including license plate readers and police helicopters, in the tracking and containment of the individual. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with video evidence from helicopters and bystander cell phones under review to ensure adherence to proper protocols.

Watch the report: San Jose officer injured, suspect dead following chase, shootout: authorities