San Jose: Police community service officer killed by allegedly intoxicated driver

SAN JOSE — A driver allegedly under the influence struck two San Jose police community service officers, killing one, and critically injuring another.

The officers were struck by a vehicle while conducting traffic control Saturday night on Monterey Road in response to another unrelated vehicle accident.

The driver, suspected of driving under the influence, has been arrested. The other officer remains hospitalized with major injuries.

“Our entire police family is heartbroken by this line of duty death, and our collective arms are around his family, friends, and teammates as we all cope with this painful incident,” the San Jose Police Department said in a statement. “We are also praying for our other CSO who suffered major injuries during the traffic collision and is still hospitalized. May she have a speedy recovery.”

Acting Chief Paul Joseph is expected to provide more information about the incident and the investigation at a press conference on Monday.

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan issued a statement Sunday afternoon, saying:

“Our city mourns the tragic loss of one of our Community Service Officers and severe injuries sustained by another CSO in the line of duty. Each day, our officers place themselves in harm’s way to fulfill their solemn oath to protect and serve us — they are truly heroes. My prayers are with these two CSOs, their families, and our entire police department in this devastating moment, and I assure you that this selfish, reckless act will not go unpunished.”

The San Jose Police Department established the community service officer position in 2014. Known as “CSOs,” they typically help police officers by responding to lower priority calls for service, freeing up officers for higher priority emergency calls.

Typically community service officers issue parking citations, tow abandoned vehicles and investigate cases such as burglary, vandalism, non-injury traffic accidents, crowd control and traffic control. They attend an eight-week academy, compared to a 30-week academy for police officers, where they learn report writing, evidence collection, first aid and other skills.

There are about 72 community service officer positions at San Jose Police Department, according to the agency’s website.

CSOs work every day of the week. Those on the day shift work from 6 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Those on the swing shift work from noon to 10:30 p.m.