Newly released bodycam video shows what led up to police fatally shooting carjacking suspect in SJ

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- The San Jose Police Department released bodycam video Sunday showing what led up to the January fatal shooting of a carjacking suspect who led police on a chase across several South Bay cities.

In the video posted to YouTube, San Jose Police Chief Paul Joseph notes that the investigation into this incident is still in the early stages and that viewer discretion is advised.

WARNING: Graphic Content

Officer Tanya Hernandez goes on to detail how the suspect, 30-year-old Muhammed Hussein's crime spree began days earlier, before the deadly shootout near downtown San Jose. Hussein allegedly stole a red Corvette from a dealership in Sacramento on Saturday, Jan. 17, and committed multiple armed robberies in Northern California and the Bay Area over the next few days.

On Wednesday, license plate readers spotted that stolen red Corvette in San Jose, but officers were not able to find the driver.

A pursuit began when the suspect stole a bright green Corvette at gunpoint from Capitol Chevrolet in San Jose.

The police chopper followed the carjacker about 45 miles south to Hollister, where the man got into a shootout with San Benito Sheriff's deputies and Hollister police.

The man stole another car in Hollister -- seen on cell phone video -- then drove back to San Jose as he fired at California Highway Patrol officers along the way.

RELATED: Accomplice arrested in connection to crime spree prior to deadly SJ carjacking shootout: police

Bodycam and helicopter video show the moment the chase came to an end in downtown San Jose. In the video, you can see Sgt. Silva almost hit the suspect as the suspect exited the stolen vehicle. Sgt. Silva exits his patrol car, gun drawn, and is immediately met with gunfire. Police say he was shot in the hand and head, fracturing his skull.

"The sergeant was critically injured and was rushed to the hospital by other patrol officers, where he was treated and later released," Ofc. Hernandez said. "In total, three sergeants and six officers were involved in the use of force during this incident. Their experience at the San Jose Police Department ranged from 4 to 19 years."

Helicopter video then shows the suspect attempting to get into the officer's vehicle before running away.

"The suspect fell to the ground as officers fired at him, and immediately after falling, he was struck by a responding patrol vehicle," Hernandez said. "Video analysis later determined that this vehicle collision dislodged the firearm from the suspect's hand, sending it into an embankment while on the ground. The suspect could be seen continuing to move, and officers believe that at this time he was still armed with the firearm, prompting additional officers to fire the weapon."

In a January news conference shortly after this shooting, Chief Joseph said nothing about a deadly encounter is pretty.

"You have an incredibly dangerous situation with a dangerous individual, and that individual needs to be stopped. And whatever means the officers needed to use to stop that individual, they made a decision in that moment," said Joseph.

The case remains under investigation by the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office, independent police auditor, and city attorney.

Mayor Matt Mahan shared his thoughts about the newly released footage with ABC7 on Monday.

"I want to thank Chief Joseph for his transparency," Mahan said. "I have no doubt that level of transparency will continue. I went and visited Sergeant Silva as he was recovering in the hospital. I expressed my sincere gratitude to him and got to meet his parents. After watching the video, my sense of gratitude is even greater."

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