Media Advisory
24-216-0890
On August 3, 2024, at approximately 9:56 PM, San José Police Department Community Service Officers (CSO's) were conducting traffic control in the area of Monterey Road and Palm Avenue for an unrelated vehicle collision when two CSO's were struck by a passing vehicle while standing outside of their cars. The preliminary investigation revealed the following:
A 2022 silver Dodge Charger, occupied by an adult male driver was traveling southbound on Monterey Road when it drove through a flare pattern and struck an unoccupied 2017 SJPD white Ford Fusion CSO vehicle. The SJPD CSO vehicle was parked in the south crosswalk of the intersection of Monterey Road and Palm Avenue conducting traffic control for a previous accident.
An adult male CSO, and an adult female CSO, were standing on the opposite side of the CSO vehicle when it was struck by the Dodge Charger. The CSO vehicle then struck both pedestrian CSO's.
Officers began life saving measures and summoned medical personnel to the scene. Despite their efforts, the adult male CSO was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was ultimately pronounced deceased. The adult female CSO was transported to a local hospital with major injuries that were later determined to be non-life threatening.
SJPD Traffic Investigation Unit Detectives responded to the scene and conducted a thorough investigation. The driver was identified as 44 year-old Juan Huerta-Palacios. Suspect Huerta-Palacios was taken into custody on scene for gross vehicular manslaughter and felony DUI. He was transported to a local hospital for an unrelated medical issue and will be booked into the Santa Clara County Jail upon discharge.
"Our entire Police family is heartbroken by this line of duty loss, and our collective arms are around his family, friends, and teammates during this unimaginable time," stated Acting Chief of Police Paul Joseph. "We are also praying for our sister who is still hospitalized with serious injuries."
“Each day, our officers place themselves in harm's way to fulfill their solemn oath to protect and serve us — they are truly heroes,” said Mayor Matt Mahan. “Long Pham’s life, his service and his sacrifice will be remembered forever by our police department and our entire city. I wish our injured CSO a speedy recovery and I know she is in the thoughts and prayers of our entire city.”
Anyone with information on this investigation is urged to contact Detective Bowen #4461 of the San José Police Department's Traffic Investigations Unit at 4461@sanjoseca.gov or 408-277-4654.
Submit crime tips and remain anonymous by using the P3TIPS mobile app, calling the tip line at (408) 947-STOP, or on www.siliconvalleycrimestoppers.org. If the information you submit leads to an arrest, you are eligible for a cash reward from the Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers Program.
By: Sergeant Jorge Garibay #4218
Authorized by: Sergeant Palmer #3848