Police say the residents did not initially know an armed robbery suspect had entered their house while trying to escape officers.
SAN JOSE, Calif. — A family escaped without physical injuries after an armed robbery suspect fleeing San Jose police entered their home, hid in a bathroom and exchanged gunfire with officers, leaving the suspect dead and a police sergeant wounded, authorities said.
The Aug. 25 confrontation transformed a police pursuit into an emergency inside an occupied residence in San Jose’s Goodyear-Mastic neighborhood. Police Chief Paul Joseph said the family was unaware that 39-year-old Anthony Chavez of Campbell had entered through an unlocked rear door as officers closed in on the home. Members of a police tactical team evacuated the residents before locating Chavez, according to authorities.
The chain of events began before officers reached the house. Police said detectives were looking for Chavez in connection with two armed robberies reported over the weekend and had linked him to a stolen Chevrolet Tahoe. Investigators used automated license plate readers and public safety cameras while tracking the vehicle, Joseph said.
Police located the Tahoe on Aug. 25 and watched the vehicle before moving in. At about 5:43 p.m., a tactical team attempted to contain it near San Jose and Pomona avenues, according to the police timeline. Chavez escaped the attempted stop, drove away at high speed and struck multiple vehicles, Joseph said. A police helicopter continued following the SUV from above.
The Tahoe crashed about five minutes later near Goodyear Street and Lick Avenue, close to Tamien Park and south of downtown San Jose. Police said Chavez got out and ran. He eventually reached a nearby residential area and entered a family’s home. Authorities said the residents had no connection to Chavez.
The unexpected entry created the most immediate danger for officers and the people inside, police said. Joseph said officers knew they were pursuing someone believed to be armed and connected to recent robberies, but they did not know what was happening inside the residence. Members of the department’s MERGE unit, a specialized tactical team, entered the house to reach the family and search for the suspect.
Once inside, officers encountered the residents and moved them out of the home, according to police. Authorities later said the family was physically unharmed. Officers continued searching and found Chavez inside a small bathroom.
Police said Sgt. Matt Walsh, a 19-year department veteran who supervises the MERGE unit, was the first officer to enter the bathroom. Chavez opened fire, striking Walsh twice, Joseph said. Walsh and another officer returned fire and hit Chavez. Chavez was pronounced dead at the scene, and investigators said they recovered a revolver.
Walsh was taken to a hospital with injuries initially described as critical. Police later said his condition had stabilized and that he was expected to recover. Authorities said one of the gunshots struck an area that was not covered by his protective vest. Joseph said Walsh remained alert after he was wounded and continued directing other officers before walking out of the house.
Police identified Chavez the next day and said he was wanted on a felony warrant when detectives began tracking him. Joseph also linked him to two recent armed robberies, including one involving a person who had just used an ATM and another at a shopping center on Curtner Avenue. Those claims are based on the police investigation; Chavez died before the allegations could be resolved in court.
The shooting and the officers’ use of force remain under investigation. Authorities are reviewing body-worn camera footage, witness information and physical evidence from the home and surrounding area. The latest police account said the family suffered no physical injuries, while Walsh remained stable as the review of the shooting moved forward.
Author note: Last updated August 27, 2026.