Violent Crime Spree Across Northern California Ends in San Jose Shootout, Death of Mohammed Hussein

San Jose, CA – A five-day rampage of armed robberies, carjackings, and high-speed pursuits came to a violent end on January 21, 2026, when 30-year-old Muhammed Hussein of Davis opened fire on San Jose police officers, seriously wounding a sergeant before being struck by a patrol vehicle and killed in a downtown shootout.

According to San Jose Police Department officials, Hussein – identified following the incident – began his crime spree on January 17 in Sacramento, where he stole a red Chevrolet Corvette from a dealership. He then escalated to multiple armed robberies, including hold-ups at a convenience store and a liquor store on McKee Road in East San Jose, brandishing a firearm to threaten victims.

The spree continued on January 18 with additional armed robberies in San Jose and on the Peninsula. By January 21, Hussein carjacked a green Chevrolet Corvette at gunpoint from a dealership on Capitol Expressway in San Jose. Authorities tracked the vehicle using license plate readers, initiating a brief pursuit that was lost. The red Corvette from the initial theft was later found abandoned nearby.

Later that day, the pursuit resumed in the Hollister/San Benito County area, more than 40 miles south of San Jose. After the green Corvette was disabled during a slow-speed chase, Hussein exited armed and exchanged gunfire with San Benito County Sheriff's deputies and Hollister Police officers. No officers were injured in that exchange. He then fled on foot and carjacked another vehicle from a civilian at gunpoint.

Hussein drove north back toward San Jose, firing at California Highway Patrol officers during the reckless high-speed drive. The pursuit ended in downtown San Jose near Julian Street and Notre Dame Avenue, where Hussein collided with a civilian vehicle. He then charged at a San Jose Police sergeant, shooting the officer in the head and causing a fractured skull.

The wounded sergeant returned fire as other officers arrived. Hussein attempted to carjack a patrol vehicle before fleeing armed on foot. Responding officers struck him with a police cruiser, and he was fatally shot after reaching for his firearm. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The injured sergeant was transported to a hospital, underwent treatment, and was released the following day in good spirits, according to the San Jose Police Department Association.

San Jose Police Chief Joseph, during a January 22 press conference, described the multi-jurisdictional response involving at least six agencies and emphasized the danger posed to the public and officers during the chaotic events. Helicopter footage from the final confrontation captured the intense gun battle and bystanders fleeing for safety.

No prior criminal history for Hussein has been publicly detailed in connection with this spree, though investigators continue to review his background. The incident remains under investigation, including ballistics and autopsy results.

Law enforcement praised the rapid response that prevented further harm, while community members expressed relief that the violent suspect was stopped before additional innocent lives were endangered.