SAN JOSE, CA – A 38-year-old San Jose man faces multiple felony charges, including homicide, following a high-speed police pursuit that started in Santa Clara and ended in a fatal crash.
The High-Speed Pursuit
The incident began around 12:16 a.m. on Sunday when Santa Clara Police officers spotted a gold Buick driving erratically along Stevens Creek Boulevard. According to authorities, the vehicle was speeding, running red lights, driving on the center median, and traveling on the wrong side of the road.
When the driver refused to pull over, officers pursued the car onto Highway 880 and eventually onto San Jose city streets.
Fatal Intersection Crash
The chase came to a tragic end at the intersection of Naglee and Park avenues in San Jose. The Buick ran a red light, T-boned another vehicle, and finally slammed into a traffic pole.
The adult passenger riding inside the Buick was pronounced dead at the scene. Two occupants in the other vehicle sustained minor injuries.
Suspect Identified
The driver has been identified as Justin Buban. He suffered serious injuries in the crash and remains in custody at a local hospital.
At the time of the pursuit, Buban had multiple outstanding arrest warrants, including:
- Felon in possession of a firearm
- Taking a vehicle without consent
- False impersonation
- Petty theft
Severe Charges Filed
Aside from homicide, Buban is facing serious charges including evading a police officer causing death, reckless driving, and driving under the influence (DUI) causing bodily injury.
The identity of the deceased passenger is currently being withheld pending notification of next of kin by the Santa Clara County Office of the Medical Examiner.
How to Help
The San Jose Police Department’s traffic unit is handling the crash investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact investigators at 408-277-4654.
