San Jose Mayor's Security Officer Assaulted During Interview, Suspect Arrested

A plainclothes police officer assigned to San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan's security detail was assaulted on Tuesday evening while the mayor was conducting a television interview in downtown San Jose. The incident occurred around 6:03 p.m. near the intersection of South First and East San Fernando streets.

During the interview with KRON4-TV, a man later identified as 35-year-old Wesley Pollard began shouting profanities and behaving erratically towards Mayor Mahan and his staff. The plainclothes officer attempted to de-escalate the situation, but Pollard grew increasingly agitated and threatened the officer.

Pollard then advanced towards the officer and struck him, leading to a brief struggle that was recorded on camera by the news crew. Bystanders assisted the officer in subduing Pollard until additional police arrived on the scene. The officer was transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries, where he was treated and released the following day.

Mayor Mahan was not injured during the altercation. His chief communications officer, Chloe Meyere, praised the officer's actions as "heroic" and a testament to the police department's de-escalation training. "This officer's heroic actions are a testament to the training and professionalism of the San Jose Police Department," Meyere stated.

Pollard was arrested and booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail on charges of felony battery on a police officer. Authorities later discovered that he had an outstanding arrest warrant in Georgia for resisting arrest with violence.

Why this matters: The assault on Mayor Mahan's security officer highlights the potential risks faced by public officials and their security teams, even during seemingly routine public appearances. It also underscores the importance of de-escalation training for law enforcement officers in handling confrontations with agitated individuals.

San Jose Police Chief Anthony Mata noted that the video of the incident is incomplete and does not show the officer's attempts to identify himself and de-escalate the situation prior to the physical altercation. Mayor Mahan expressed gratitude for his security team and the police department, stating, "I am grateful for the quick action of my security detail and our San Jose police officers." The motive behind Pollard's actions remains under investigation as authorities continue to gather evidence and witness statements related to the incident.

Key Takeaways

• Plainclothes officer assigned to San Jose mayor assaulted during TV interview
• Suspect, Wesley Pollard, arrested and charged with felony battery on officer
• Officer sustained moderate injuries, treated and released from hospital
• Incident highlights risks faced by public officials and importance of de-escalation
• Suspect had outstanding warrant in Georgia for resisting arrest with violence