SAN JOSE – A man was arrested Tuesday evening on suspicion of attacking a plainclothes police officer assigned to protect San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, police said.
The incident happened just after 6 p.m. at South 1st and San Fernando streets, according to a statement issued by the San Jose Police Department. The mayor was being interviewed by a journalist on a downtown San Jose street when a man “began displaying erratic behavior toward him and surrounding staff,” police said.
A plainclothes police officer assigned to Mahan’s security detail intervened and attempted to de-escalate the situation, police said. The suspect, however, “grew more agitated, threatening the officer while advancing toward him.”
Despite repeated de-escalation attempts, the suspect continued to advance on the officer and eventually hit him, according to police. Footage of the incident posted to social media showed the suspect punching the officer in the head. Acting San Jose Police Chief Paul Joseph said in a statement that that the video, which does not capture the full incident, “does not include the officer identifying himself, nor does it include the many attempts he made to deescalate the situation and avoid using force or taking any enforcement action.”
The officer tried to take the suspect into custody; following a minutes-long struggle, he was detained with the help of several bystanders, police said.
The suspect was booked into Santa Clara County Jail on suspicion of several charges, including felony battery on a police officer, authorities said.
The officer stayed at a hospital overnight and was released Wednesday.
Police said the motive and circumstances surrounding the incident were under investigation. According to Joseph’s statement, the suspect had an arrest warrant in Georgia for resisting arrest with violence.
In a statement late Monday night, Mahan’s chief communications officer, Tasha Dean, said the mayor was grateful for his security team and the police department.
“The actions of the officer tonight were heroic and a testament to the de-escalation training that makes our officers effective, compassionate and stewards of community trust,” Dean said.
“His thoughts are with the officer and he hopes for a speedy recovery,” Dean continued. “The mayor understands how privileged he is to have an armed officer protecting him at all times and is resolved in his commitment to create a safer city for everyone.”
While interviewing Mayor Matt Mahan in downtown San Jose, a man was shouting at us and fought Mayor Mahan's security guard.
The fight lasted a couple minutes and the man was arrested by SJPD.
Police said they were compiling evidence and sending it to the DA's office/ pic.twitter.com/aJxGRLC7RU
— Jack Molmud (@jmolmud) April 24, 2024
