A San Jose police officer opened fire on – but didn’t injure – a man clad in military-style clothing and armed with a loaded assault rifle early Wednesday morning, police said.
According to a department statement, the suspect, identified as Shannon Nathan Wong, 36, is accused of being under the influence of a controlled substance.
Neighbors said Wong is a nurse who works at an unspecified local Veterans Affairs hospital. He also allegedly recently broke up with his girlfriend.
Police said officers responded to reports of someone trying to break into a home on the 300 block of Bautista Place at 12:52 a.m.
The residence – located in San Jose’s Monte Vista neighborhood and the former site of a Del Monte factory – was later linked to Wong, but it is not clear whether he owned, rented or lived in it.
Officers found Wong at the front door and attempted to give him "verbal commands," the statement said, but the suspect responded by aiming his rifle in the officers’ direction.
One officer fired at the suspect but missed, police said. The suspect then retreated into the home before obeying the officers and surrendering.
A neighbor, who identified herself only as Marie, said: "One of them yelled, 'Gun! Gun!' so I hit the floor in my living room and heard a shot fired. Then I heard them call my neighbors name several times to come out and get down on the ground."
Wong was found in possession of a loaded AR-15 assault rifle, a loaded Colt M1911 handgun, and drug paraphernalia, police said. The suspect, who doesn't have any prior arrests, was taken into custody Tuesday and booked into the Santa Clara County Jail, police said.
According to police, the officer who fired at Wong is a 17-year-veteran. He was placed on paid administrative leave while the police department investigates the incident.
Meanwhile, Wong's neighbors are shocked and baffled by his behavior.
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"He was always very kind, a very nice guy," Marie said.
People with information about the case are asked to call Detective Sgt. Hamblin or Detective Tanner of the San Jose Police Department’s Homicide Unit at (408) 277-5283. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (408) 947-7867, or submit a tip online.
Anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect may be eligible for a cash reward from the Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers.
Bay City News contributed to this report.
