San Jose

‘A Close Call': Alleged Gang Member Arrested on Suspicion of Firing at Two San Jose Police Officers

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 Friday.

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

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

"This was an unbelievably 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. 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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