There was a tense standoff at the Main Jail in San Jose early Wednesday after a suspect, who was being transferred to the jail, somehow got his hands on an officer’s gun and began firing.
A San Jose police officer was bringing 40-year-old Joseph Castro to the jail early Wednesday after arresting Castro on charges of mail fraud and violating his probation.
"Castro was restrained in handcuffs and in the rear of the patrol vehicle, but somehow managed to break into the cargo area of the vehicle and access that officer’s firearm," said Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Sgt. Michael Low. "The officer attempted to restrain Castro, however Castro was able to fire off rounds at the officer."
The officer was not injured and was able to retreat. A tactical team then moved in, starting a standoff that ended several hours later when the team charged Castro and once again restrained him and brought him into custody.
Low explained that the officer was preparing to bring Castro from a secure area of the jail into the booking area when the incident started.
"Standard protocol for any officers or deputies that are bringing someone into custody is to drive down the ramp into the secured facility, secure their weapons, firearms, ammunition and tools inside of their patrol vehicle, either in the trunk or the back in a safe location and then proceed to bring the suspect into the actual facility," he said. Weapons are not allowed inside of the jail and officials say the officer was following standard protocol.
"This is just an example of a very determined suspect that’s willing to do anything to get out of custody and escape," said Low.
It is still not clear how Castro was able to access the gun. Castro now faces felony charges in addition to the mail fraud and probation charges.