The chief of the San Jose Police Department revealed that a suspect arrested last week for firing at officers and injuring one had gone on a “quest to kill” members of the force and even asked cops if he killed any after he was arrested.Â
“The bullet hole in the patrol car’s windshield, centered where an officer had been only moments before, is as chilling a sight as I have ever seen,” Chief Anthony Mata said Tuesday in a press conference providing details on the ambush-style attack on officers last week.Â
Two patrol officers with the department attempted to pull suspect Noe Orlando Mendoza over on Friday evening “driving erratically” and “to further investigate the driver’s bizarre behavior,” Mata said.Â
Mendoza pulled into a gas station, got out of his car and allegedly pulled out a gun and began firing on the two patrol officers.Â
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“Both officers were inches away from being struck by the gunfire. Both officers acted quickly and bravely, returning fire as the suspect got back into his vehicle and fled,” Mata said.Â
The suspect returned to his vehicle and went home. Officials, however, were able to locate and surround the residence about two hours after the incident during the traffic stop.Â
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Mendoza attempted to flee through the backyard as officers closed in, and the suspect opened fire yet again on police, striking and injuring one officer, according to Mata.
“Mendoza jumped onto the fence looking at the two officers and opened fire, discharging multiple rounds before fleeing in the opposite direction,” the chief said while adding the officers did not return fire.Â
Mendoza fled but was arrested a short time later.Â
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Mata said Mendoza’s “quest to kill” officers began earlier that…
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