A judge’s recent decision to release the suspect in a fatal DUI crash that killed a community service officer on bond has drawn criticism from San Jose leaders, including Mayor Matt Mahan.
The defendant, Morgan Hill resident Juan Huerta-Palacios, 44, is charged with driving under the influence when he hit two San Jose community service officers conducting traffic control on Monterey Road in the early part of August of last year.
Community Service Officer Veronica Baer spent several days in the hospital due to severe injuries, while Community Service Officer Long Pham perished in the collision.
Although Pham was born in Vietnam, he spent his early years in San Jose. His brother and parents survive him. In late August, a public memorial service was conducted to remember the community officer.
Palacios was being jailed on half a million dollars in bail for charges of killing Pham and hurting Baer, including a murder charge stemming from prior convictions for reckless driving caused by alcohol.
The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office, the San Jose Police Department, and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan have all objected to the release. In protest of Huerta-Palacios’ release, the SJPD released a statement on X Wednesday night.
“This defendant killed Long Pham in spite of prior warnings about the risks associated with drunk driving. “Why should we believe that these limitations will sufficiently shield the public from his poor judgment once more?” the statement asked. “An officer is dead and the man who killed him was let out on bail to go home against our objection, against our community’s objection.”
“I vehemently oppose this ruling. Our community as a whole and CSO Pham’s family deserve justice and better. According to the mayor’s statement, “This was not the first time this individual put members of our community in danger – and this time an innocent man lost his life.” How can we be certain that he won’t do it again? To let him go before he is tried by a judge and jury is reckless.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.