San Jose security guard arrested on suspicion of assaulting unhoused person

SAN JOSE — A security guard was arrested last week on suspicion of assaulting an unhoused person with a firearm in San Jose, police said.

The incident happened around 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 2 in the area of West San Carlos Street and Leland Avenue, in the city’s Burbank neighborhood, according to San Jose police Officer Tanya Hernandez.

Officers learned the suspect had chased the victim with a firearm, pushed him to the ground and brandished a firearm, Hernandez said, adding that “the suspect was wearing a silver badge on his belt and appeared to be law enforcement or security.” The victim was not injured.

Detectives identified the suspect as a 43-year-old San Jose man and discovered he was working as a guard for a San Jose-based security company, according to Hernandez.

Hernandez said detectives obtained an arrest warrant and an emergency gun violence protection order for the suspect, as well as a search warrant for his home.

On Sept. 11, the man was arrested and served with the order. He was booked into Santa Clara County jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, according to Hernandez.

Anyone with information related to the case can contact Detective Carlos Soria of the SJPD Assaults Unit at 4793@sanjoseca.gov or 408-277-4161. Tips can also be left with Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers at 408-947-7867 or at siliconvalleycrimestoppers.org.