San Jose, California — A landlord-tenant dispute in South San Jose turned deadly Sunday night when police shot and killed a 69-year-old man after investigators said he fired at officers during a search near Locke Drive.
The man, identified by authorities as Ted Lieu, allegedly threatened a tenant and another roommate with a shotgun after an earlier argument over rent and household guests. The incident prompted a second 911 call, a police search and an armed confrontation that is now under investigation by the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office.
No officers were injured in the shooting, according to police.
How the Landlord-Tenant Dispute Began
According to San Jose Police Chief Paul Joseph, the initial confrontation involved a disagreement between Lieu and his tenant over rent and visitors at the residence.
Chief Joseph said initial reports described Lieu as having a handgun in his pants pocket while repeatedly pushing a guest of the tenant.
Police initially responded to the dispute but were unable to determine whether a crime had occurred. The people involved did not want to pursue charges, so officers left the scene. However, the situation took a more serious turn about an hour later, when the same tenant contacted 911 again.
Second 911 Call Reported a Shotgun Threat
During the second call, the tenant reported that Lieu was standing in the home’s hallway holding a shotgun and threatening her while preventing her and another roommate from leaving the residence. The new report prompted officers to return to the area.
When police arrived, however, they discovered that Lieu had left the residence. Officers safely escorted the victims out of the home before beginning a search for the landlord.
Investigators eventually located Lieu hiding inside a shed just a few houses away from the original property. What happened next led to the fatal police shooting.
Police Say Landlord Fired at Officers
Chief Joseph said preliminary evidence indicated that Lieu discharged at least one round in the direction of responding officers during the encounter.
“During the encounter with the armed suspect it appears based on early stages of evidence processing that he discharged at least one round in the direction of officers,” Joseph said.
Three officers returned fire, and Lieu was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police have not reported any injuries among the officers involved. Chief Joseph also noted that all three officers had several years of experience on the force.
The circumstances surrounding the exchange of gunfire remain under investigation, and the evidence gathered will help authorities establish a more complete account of the confrontation.
Multiple Firearms Recovered During Investigation
Investigators recovered several firearms in connection with the case.
According to the information released by police, a firearm was recovered during the investigation, while an assault rifle was found at Lieu’s residence. A third firearm was discovered inside a garbage can. Authorities are examining the evidence as they work to reconstruct the events leading up to the shooting.
Investigators also noted that Lieu had a history of conflict with neighbors and tenants involving firearms, along with a prior history with law enforcement.
Police have not publicly provided additional details about those earlier incidents.
San Jose Neighbors React to the Deadly Shooting
The shooting has left residents along Locke Drive struggling to process what happened in their neighborhood. Neighbor Lilia Gaspar described the community’s reaction as one of sadness and concern.
“It breaks our heart and right now our whole street is very concerned, very sad about the situation, what’s happening; I never would have pictured something like this happening in our neighborhood,” Gaspar said.
She also spoke about her experience knowing Lieu over the years.
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“I never would have pictured him doing something like this, I know he had a drinking problem, but I’ve known him for many years and I don’t know what could have gone through his mind,” she said.
Her comments reflected the shock felt by residents following an incident that began with a reported household dispute and ended with a fatal encounter involving police.
District Attorney’s Office Investigating
The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office is investigating the shooting. Such an investigation can help establish the circumstances surrounding the use of deadly force and determine whether the available evidence supports the accounts of the incident.
For now, the central questions concern the sequence of events after the second 911 call, the confrontation at the shed and the evidence surrounding the reported gunfire.
Police have confirmed that no officers were injured, but further details about the investigation may emerge as authorities review the evidence.
What are your thoughts on how this incident unfolded, from the initial tenant dispute to the fatal police shooting? Share your views in the comments below.
