Crime & Safety
San Jose Man Charged In Deadly Police Chase Crash
A man is accused of leading officers on a chase from Santa Clara into San Jose before running a red light, striking another vehicle.
SAN JOSE, CA — A 38-year-old San Jose man has been charged with homicide and multiple other felonies after authorities say he led police on a high-speed pursuit that ended in a fatal crash, according to the Santa Clara Police Department.
Justin Buban faces homicide, evading a police officer causing serious injury or death, reckless driving and driving under the influence causing bodily injury charges following a June 14 crash, which happened shortly after midnight.
Santa Clara police attempted to pull over gold Buick that officers spotted driving recklessly on Stevens Creek Boulevard, allegedly speeding, running multiple red lights, driving on the center median and traveling on the wrong side of the road, according to a news release from police.
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Police attempted to stop the Buick on Interstate 880, but the driver allegedly refused to pull over, leading officers on a pursuit through Santa Clara and into San Jose. Authorities said the Buick later ran a red light at Naglee and Park avenues, striking another vehicle before crashing into a traffic pole.
A passenger in the Buick died at the scene, according to police. The driver was transported to a local hospital, while the two occupants of the second vehicle suffered minor injuries and were also hospitalized.
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The San Jose Police Department's Traffic Investigations Unit is leading the crash investigation. Investigators from both San Jose and Santa Clara worked with the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office, which ultimately filed the homicide charge against Buban.
Authorities said Buban remains in custody at a local hospital, and the identity of the passenger who was killed in the crash has not yet been released.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the San Jose Police Department's Traffic Investigations Unit at 408-277-4654 or Santa Clara Traffic Investigator Ernst at 408-615-4764. Anonymous tips may be submitted to the Santa Clara Police Department Tip Line at 408-615-4847.
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