On Sunday, an unidentified man drove his vehicle through the front door of a San Jose Walmart store. Once his car was through the door, he immediately got out of the vehicle, picked up a blunt object inside the store and began assaulting customers, according to Officer Albert Morales of the San Jose Police Department. The Walmart store where the incident took place is located at 777 Story Road.
The man was driving a red Oldsmobile Cutlass sedan, which collided with a beer display near the pharmacy before coming to a stop about 20 feet into the store. There were approximately 70 people inside when the incident occurred. A customer said that before the man crashed into the store, he made several runs around the parking lot and sideswiped her car.
Officers reported to the scene after receiving a 911 emergency call according to a news report at the San Francisco Chronicle. At the time of news reports, Morales indicated that police did not have a motive and were uncertain of whether there was an intended target in the attacks. The extent of the injuries sustained by the four victims was unknown at the time, and were not believed to be life-threatening although all were transported to area hospitals.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:15 a.m. according to Sgt. Jason Dwyer, who did say that one of the victim’s was seriously injured, although he did not go into detail. The driver of the vehicle was described as an adult man believed to be in his 30s. Following a brief struggle, the suspect was arrested and booked into the Santa Clara County Jail.
Morales said that the man will be tested for alcohol and drug use, and that he will undergo mental and physical evaluations. San Jose police continue to investigate the situation in order to determine a possible motive for the attacks.
While news reports did not state what the suspect was charged with, San Jose criminal defense attorneys understand the seriousness of the offense, and know that the man will likely face severe criminal penalties for his actions if convicted. If charged with assault with a deadly weapon, the penalties will depend on whether prosecutors charge the offense as a misdemeanor or felony, and other factors including the suspect’s criminal background. Potential penalties include substantial fines and/or probation to many years in prison and is some cases victim restitution.
If you or someone you know have been charged with any serious or violent crime, it is important that you consult with a capable and experienced San Jose criminal defense lawyer immediately so that work can begin on your case for the best possible results.
