Police Sergeant Shot In Gunfire Exchange Released From Hospital

SAN JOSE, CA — A San Jose police sergeant was released from the hospital Saturday after getting shot earlier this week during a gunfire exchange that left a robbery suspect dead.

Sgt. Matt Walsh is a 19-year police veteran and a team leader with the San Jose Police Department's Mobile Emergency Response Group and Equipment unit, SJPD's equivalent to SWAT.

Sgt. Walsh was hospitalized with a gunshot wound Tuesday after he tried to detain a robbery suspect who allegedly led officers on a car chase and tried to hide in a stranger's home where gunfire was exchanged. Walsh was hit twice by rounds from the suspect's silver revolver, according to San Jose Police Chief Paul Joseph.

"On behalf of your community, a grateful city, and your brothers and sisters, thank you, Sergeant Walsh, for fighting through to keep San Jose safe and for making sure your team returns home safely at the end of each shift," the department said in a statement.

Walsh was one of the officers who responded to Tuesday's pursuit involving 39-year-old Anthony Chavez who was wanted on suspicion of involvement in several recent armed robberies in San Jose. Chavez allegedly led police on a high-speed chase after they spotted him allegedly driving a stolen car.

After officers tried to box in the car during the chase, Chavez allegedly sped off and hit multiple parked vehicles before abandoning the car and fleeing into a stranger's home. Officers, including Sgt. Walsh, located Chavez in a bathroom of the home.

After a flash-bang device was tossed to try and distract Chavez, Sgt. Walsh and another officer entered the bathroom, where Chavez allegedly opened fire and struck Walsh. Walsh and the other officer returned fire, killing Chavez, according to Chief Joseph.

Four days later, Walsh walked out of the hospital surrounded by family, friends, and officers who saluted him.

"We know your journey through recovery will be a fight you'll tackle with the same focus and bravery," the department said regarding Walsh's hospital release.

Both officers had their body-worn cameras activated during the shooting, which will be investigated by the department's Homicide Unit and the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office.

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