A tragic incident unfolded in South San Jose on Saturday night, resulting in the death of Long Pham, a San Jose Police Department officer who was struck by a vehicle while conducting a traffic stop. The officer, who was accompanied by a colleague, was part of the department’s Community Service Officer (CSO) program, which focuses on responding to lower-priority calls such as burglaries, petty thefts, and non-injury traffic collisions.
The second officer involved in the incident was rushed to the hospital with severe injuries, but is expected to recover. The driver of the vehicle, who is believed to have been driving under the influence of alcohol, was taken into custody and faces charges related to driving under the influence.
The San Jose Police Department is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash, which has left the law enforcement community reeling. In a statement, the department expressed its profound sorrow over the loss of one of its own, offering support to the fallen officer’s family, friends, and colleagues.
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan condemned the incident, describing it as a “selfish, reckless act” that will be met with consequences. The mayor’s words were echoed by the police department, which vowed to thoroughly investigate the incident and hold the responsible party accountable.
Our city mourns the tragic loss of one of our Community Service Officers and severe injuries sustained by another CSO in the line of duty. Each day, our officers place themselves in harm’s way to fulfill their solemn oath to protect and serve us—they are truly heroes. My prayers are with these two CSOs, their families, and our entire police department in this devastating moment, and I assure you that this selfish, reckless act will not go unpunished.
– San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan
Further details about the incident are expected to be released during a press conference scheduled to take place at the San Jose Police Department’s headquarters on Monday afternoon.
