SAN JOSE – A man was arrested on suspicion of attacking an undercover police officer assigned to protect San Jose Mayor Mahan early Tuesday evening, police said.
The incident occurred shortly after 6 p.m., according to a statement released by San Jose police. The mayor was being interviewed by a reporter when a man “began to behave erratically toward him and surrounding staff,” police said.
A plainclothes officer assigned to Mahan’s security detail intervened and attempted to defuse the situation, police said. The suspect, however, “became increasingly agitated, threatening the officer while advancing toward him.”
Despite repeated attempts to de-escalate, the suspect continued to advance on the officer and eventually struck him, according to police. Footage of the incident posted on social media showed the suspect hitting the officer in the head.
The officer attempted to arrest the suspect and, after a struggle lasting several minutes, he was finally arrested with the help of several bystanders, police said.
The suspect was booked into the Santa Clara County Jail on charges including battery on a police officer.
Police said the motive and circumstances of the incident were under investigation.
While interviewing Mayor Matt Mahan in downtown San Jose, a man yelled at us and fought Mayor Mahan’s security guard.
The fight lasted a few minutes and the man was arrested by SJPD.
Police said they were gathering evidence and sending it to the prosecutor’s office. pic.twitter.com/aJxGRLC7RU
-Jack Molmud (@jmolmud) April 24, 2024
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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