San Jose Police on Tuesday shared more information regarding a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred last weekend, stating the suspect allegedly fired at officers before he was killed.
The incident began Saturday at approximately 8:15 p.m., when officers responded to a weapons disturbance at a home in the 3200 block of Locke Drive. A woman at the residence reported to police that she had been in an altercation with her landlord, Ted Lieu, 69, who she alleged was armed with a gun. She also claimed Lieu had assaulted a second person.
Upon their initial arrival, officers spoke with all involved parties. Police said that at this time, they determined the suspect did not brandish a gun, and the woman informed them she did not wish to pursue criminal charges.
Later that evening, shortly after 9:30 p.m., the same woman contacted 911 again. She reported that her landlord had brandished a gun at her and another roommate, allegedly holding them against their will inside the residence. Police stated that officers returned to the scene and alleged that an assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats, and a possible kidnapping had taken place. However, Lieu had reportedly fled the scene before officers arrived, prompting a search for him.
Investigators subsequently learned that Lieu was hiding at a residence in the 3100 block of Locke Drive, a few houses away from the site of the initial reported altercation. At approximately 11:15 p.m., police located Lieu hiding in a shed outside the home.
Police allege that during the encounter, based on preliminary investigation, Lieu "produced a firearm and fired at least once towards officers." Officers then returned fire. Authorities later determined that Lieu was struck at least once, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Police stated they recovered his firearm from the scene. Additionally, an assault rifle was reportedly recovered from Lieu's residence.
The San Jose Police Department reported that two of the officers involved in the shooting have served with the department for seven years, while a third officer has been with the department for eight years.
This incident is currently under investigation by the department's homicide unit and the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office. An administrative review of the shooting is also being conducted by the San Jose Police Department's Internal Affairs unit, the City Attorney's Office, and the Office of the Independent Police Auditor.
