San Jose Officer Recovers After Critical Injury in Shootout

San Jose Police Officer Jaime Arredondo was released from Santa Clara Valley Medical Center after spending a month recovering from critical injuries sustained in a shootout at a San Jose hotel. The incident occurred in the city’s Santa Teresa neighborhood, where Arredondo and another officer, Joseph Derocshes, who suffered moderate injuries, were responding to a distress call. The suspect, 33-year-old Kevin Briones, engaged the officers with a stolen gun, resulting in two officers being injured. Briones, with a long criminal history and outstanding warrants, was confronted by the officers as he attempted to threaten a mother and her three children inside the hotel.
Acting San Jose Police Chief Paul Joseph praised Arredondo’s strength and character, attributing these qualities to his recovery. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan welcomed Arredondo back, recognizing his sacrifice to save the mother and her children. The incident has highlighted ongoing issues with illegal gun possession and violence against law enforcement in San Jose, with 12 officers shot at and five struck by gunfire in the last 15 months. Chief Joseph announced a study to investigate the high rate of violent assaults on officers in the city, emphasizing the community’s need for protection and Arredondo’s eagerness to return to duty.