Shooting between San Jose police and suspect shocks residents

SAN JOSE-A Shootout between San Jose police and a suspect The violence shocked residents of the area.

A local resident was opening her food truck this morning when she learned details about a shootout between police and a suspect Sunday afternoon.

“This is not right. It’s scary because I’ve never heard shots or incidents like this around here,” said Alejandra Cardona, who works near the crime scene.

San Jose police released video footage showing a man firing a gun from a van on Kollmar Drive in the middle of the day. Police responded to a 911 call reporting the incident.

The suspect was identified as 41-year-old Ricardo Villarreal, a felon in possession of a firearm. Villarreal also blocked another resident’s access to the parking lot and threatened him with a gun.

“The officers’ quick response likely saved the lives of many families in the apartment complex and neighborhood, and it will take time to understand and investigate the circumstances leading up to how and why a felon who was prohibited from possessing a firearm went on a shooting spree,” said Interim Police Chief Paul Joseph.

Another neighbor, Luis Miguel Sanchez, lives in the apartment complex where the shooting occurred.

“I was not here. I arrived later and everything was already cordoned off. They almost didn’t let me in, but then the police let me in through this other side. But honestly, it’s terrifying,” Sanchez said.

After fleeing the initial scene, Villarreal continued firing at responding officers until he was eventually tackled and arrested. Interim chief Joseph emphasized that Villarreal, as a criminal, should not have owned a firearm. This incident is the third officer-involved shooting in San Jose this year.

Villarreal is in critical condition after the shootout. Meanwhile, fear is real for residents like Alejandra and Luis Miguel, who have two young children.

“To get into the apartment, all the doors are locked, but out here it’s much more complicated,” Sanchez added, citing increasing concern among residents.