Heavily Armed San José Man Fatally Shot After Exchanging Fire With Police, SJPD Says

San José police officers shot and killed a man on Sunday afternoon after he allegedly fired at law enforcement during a family disturbance call, according to the Police Department.

Gunfire was exchanged after Karim Kahn, 37, had opened fire at police officers who were responding to a call reporting a family disturbance in the area of Recife Way and Vargas Drive at around 2:30 p.m., Police Chief Paul Joseph said during a conference on Monday.

“This type of call … many times can be resolved by officers using their de-escalation skills and a little human compassion,” Joseph said. “This incident quickly took a different turn, ending tragically with an exchange of gunfire between officers and a heavily armed man.”

At the time of the call, Kahn had allegedly been physically aggressive with his parents, throwing items around the house and leading them to call for police assistance. Kahn was suffering from mental health issues and was off his medication, Joseph said.

Officers with crisis intervention mental health training were called to the scene. Kahn’s family members reported no weapons.

When law enforcement attempted to approach the additional dwelling unit that he lived in, Kahn emerged and pointed a long firearm at them before fleeing toward the rear of the residence, Joseph said. Officers immediately retreated before calling Kahn’s mobile device in an attempt to de-escalate the situation, the police chief added.

After 20 minutes of back and forth, Kahn reportedly hung up the phone and emerged from the side yard. He then fired at least one round at the officers, who were hiding behind a patrol vehicle, Joseph said. A bullet hole was left in the fender of the car, shown in a photograph the chief displayed at the conference.

Kahn then allegedly fled on foot, escaping by jumping the fence and entering into a neighbor’s backyard. Officers said that he was armed with a shotgun and rifle, and shots were exchanged between Kahn and the police. At least one shot fired by Kahn had struck the wall close to where officers were stationed, Joseph said.

When the gunfire ended, officers approached Kahn and found that he had been struck by at least one round. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and no officers were hurt.

Joseph did not reveal the name of the officer who shot Kahn, but said he had more than eight years of experience and was wearing a body camera at the time of the shooting.

Further investigation after Kahn’s death reportedly revealed that the man was in possession of four firearms and at least 50 rounds of ammunition. He was also allegedly wearing hearing protection, which Joseph speculated could mean he was expecting an armed altercation with the police.

“This incident is a tragedy primarily because there was such easy access to firearms during a mental health crisis,” Joseph said. “These calls are always unpredictable, but are too often among the most dangerous situations our officers face. They escalate without warning.”

The incident is currently under early investigation, and more information will be provided as it comes, Joseph said.