Arrest Made In Attempted Murder Of 2 San Jose Officers

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA – A 20-year-old alleged gang member accused of shooting at two police officers on patrol in San Jose earlier this week has been arrested, police said today.

Luis Enrique Soriano allegedly fired at two officers working gang enforcement in the area of Avalani Avenue and Luby Drive, near Overfelt Gardens Park, around 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Police Chief Eddie Garcia said during a news conference outside police headquarters this afternoon.

The officers approached a group that immediately fled and one of them, believed to be Soriano, shot at the officers with a handgun, Garcia said.

The two officers weren't hit by the gunfire and didn't shoot back.

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They returned to work the following day, the chief said.

"This was unbelievably a close call. We're very lucky we did not lose an officer," Garcia said.

Police looked for the suspected gunman after the shooting, but were unsuccessful in their search.

Further investigation led officers to Soriano's San Jose home around 6:40 a.m. Thursday when he was arrested on suspicion of shooting the officers and violating his probation, Garcia said.

"We would've gone to the ends of the earth to arrest this individual. His actions were deplorable," the chief said.

On Monday, the San Jose Police Officers' Association offered a $10,000 reward for information resulting in an arrest and conviction.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call police Detectives Gabriel Cuenca or Richard Martinez at (408) 277-3835. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers at (408)
947-7867.

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--Bay City News/Image via SJPD