Wildlife Officer Injured After Being Rammed by ATV in San Jose as Search for Suspect Intensifies

A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officer was injured Friday night after being struck and dragged by an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) in a disturbing encounter in San Jose. Authorities are now actively searching for the suspect who fled the scene following the violent altercation.

The incident unfolded just after 9:20 p.m. near the intersection of Grand Boulevard and Los Esteros Road, close to the San Jose-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility. Officers from the San Jose Police Department responded to a call involving a reported shooting and quickly discovered that one of the officers involved was from the USFWS.

According to preliminary reports, the wildlife officer had attempted to detain the driver of a Can-Am ATV, a high-powered off-road vehicle, when the suspect suddenly drove the ATV directly into the officer, dragging him a short distance. In response to the sudden assault, the officer discharged their firearm, firing at least one shot toward the fleeing ATV in an attempt to stop the suspect.

The injured officer was immediately transported to a local hospital and is currently being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. No additional injuries were reported at the scene.

The suspect remains at large, and investigators have not confirmed whether the gunfire struck the suspect or the ATV. Law enforcement teams are now reviewing evidence from the scene and working to track down the individual responsible for the assault.

This incident has raised safety concerns among both federal and local law enforcement agencies, especially in areas where off-road vehicles are frequently used illegally or recklessly.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the suspect or the vehicle involved to come forward and assist in the investigation.