SJPD Arrests Armed Suspect at Valley Fair Mall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

On February 3rd, 2021 at approximately 4:00 PM, our dispatch center received a call from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office about a suspect who had made statements on Snapchat about wanting to shoot up a mall. 

The suspect was described as an adult male wearing dark clothing, with purple shoulder length hair.

Based on the description, and with the assistance of the Santa Clara Police Department and Valley Fair Mall Security staff, San Jose Police Officers were able to track the suspect in Valley Fair Mall. With the safety and security of those still inside the mall, Officers quickly formulated a tactical plan to apprehend the suspect.

Officers entered the mall knowing that there may be an armed threat to the public and themselves. They located the suspect and apprehended him without incident. A loaded semi-automatic firearm was found on his person.

Officers conducted follow up and searched the suspect’s vehicle that was in the parking lot. In the vehicle they found a loaded assault rifle and ammunition. The assault rifle was an unregistered ghost gun.

The suspect was identified as Hunter Tital, 21 years old, a resident of Seaside.

He was booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail for making criminal threats, possession of a loaded firearm in public, possession of a concealed firearm in public, and possession of an assault rifle. The suspect's bail has been set at $200,000.

“I am extremely appreciative of the investigative work and coordinated effort with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Department," said Acting Chief of Police Dave Tindall. “Timely information coupled with the quick and courageous response of our Officers and those of the Santa Clara Police Department, averted a potentially tragic incident.”