San Jose Cop's Suspected Killer Found Dead

UPDATE: Click here for the latest developments in the slaying.

The man suspected of killing a veteran San Jose police officer in a shootout was found dead early Wednesday on the balcony of his home where he had been holed up, police said, after what the mayor called "San Jose's darkest hour."

Police found the suspect dead on his balcony with at least one gunshot wound when they entered his home around 3:20 a.m., a police spokesman said.

Fourteen-year police veteran Michael Johnson was shot dead Tuesday night when a man opened fire on officers responding to a call about an intoxicated man threatening to kill himself, Officer Albert Morales said.

The suspect — who police earlier identified as Scott Dunham, 57 — shot at the officers as they arrived just before 7 p.m. Tuesday, and they returned fire and may have struck him, Morales said.

Officers had swarmed the area of Senter Road, between Umbarger Road and Balfour Drive in East San Jose, in search of the suspect. Police were heard telling people in the area "there is a man with a high-powered rifle who may be pointing it at you right now. You may be in the line of fire."

After hearing of the shooting, police departments throughout the Bay Area late Tuesday offered sympathies to San Jose police by sending thoughts and prayers on social media.

"It's a sad day for law enforcement and the police department in our community," San Jose Police Chief Larry Esquivel said.

San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo called Tuesday's fatal shooting "San Jose's darkest hour."

"We mourn the loss of an officer who has paid the full measure," Liccardo said.

It has been nearly 14 years since the last San Jose police officer was killed in the line of duty. Officer Jeffrey Fontana was shot and killed in the Almaden Valley neighborhood in October 2001.

Fontana was shot during a traffic stop.

The gunman, DeShawn Campbell, was convicted in a high-profile court case that lasted more than seven years.

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