Suspect in Custody After Allegedly Firing a Gun at Police

A suspect who reportedly fired a gun at Tuesday is now in custody on three counts of attempting to kill a police officer, according to a press release from the Gilroy Police Department.

Police received a call from a resident of the 1400 block of Ousely Drive at 11:22 a.m., reporting that another resident of the home “was distraught and brandished a handgun at other occupants inside the residence,” police said.

All but the suspect, 36-year-old Huriel Escalante, left the home, meeting with police upon their arrival. Officers evacuated other nearby residences and directed the nearby elementary schools—and —to go into lockdown mode, police said.

Escalante reportedly went into the backyard and fired one round from his handgun while police were trying to establish communication with him. The shot was not directed at any person, and he then reentered the home, police said.

A short time later, Escalante reportedly “quickly exited the front of the residence, fired one round at nearby officers and quickly returned into the residence,” according to the report.

Officers did not shoot back at the suspect, and they continued to try to contact him, the report said. Shortly after, Escalante walked out of the house without the weapon and, with his hands in sight, was arrested without further incident, police said.

“The suspect’s actions were unpredictable and hostile," police said. "The Gilroy Police Department is pleased that all of the department’s actions and safety precautions resolved this incident without injury to the officers, neighbors, the suspect or the residents of the household.” 

Escalante is now being held at the Santa Clara County Main Jail, and police said the investigation is continuing.