Holly MatkinFremont, CA – Bodycam footage captured the moment when an armed robbery suspect in a stolen vehicle opened fire on a Fremont Police Department (FPD) motorcycle officer (video below).
FPD Officer Brian Burch was out on patrol on March 24 when he received a report that a stolen vehicle had activated a license plate reader camera, the FPD said in the video release on April 16.
The suspect behind the wheel was 34-year-old Joshua James Gloria, who was wanted out of San Francisco in connection with an armed robbery involving a firearm, according to police.
According to the FPD, Gloria was also wanted out of San Jose in connection with an attempted murder that took place at an illegal gambling parlor.
During that incident, Gloria allegedly “shot a victim multiple times, including a shot to the back of the head, while [the victim] was on the ground,” the FPD said in the video release.
Officer Burch spotted the stolen vehicle in the parking lot of a Newark shopping center and tried to follow him until other officers could get there, but Gloria sped off, crashing into other vehicles along the way, police said.
Bodycam footage showed the officer as he pursued the fleeing suspect onto Highway 84.
“He’s got a left, rear flat,” Officer Burch said over the radio at one point.
Gloria’s vehicle became disabled just past the on-ramp, at which point Officer Burch started to pull his motorcycle off to the side of the roadway, the video showed.
But before he’d even come to a full stop, gunshots rang out.
“The suspect immediately exited his vehicle with a firearm while running towards and shooting at Officer Burch, who was still on his motorcycle,” the FPD said in the video release.
Officer Burch immediately dumped his motorcycle and dove into the ditch, bodycam footage showed.
“Shots fired!” he yelled repeatedly as he scrambled to his feet and ran towards a tree line.
Officer Burch then spun around and pointed his gun at Gloria, who had made his way over to the patrol motorcycle and hopped on.
The police motorcycle was equipped with a department-issued AR-15 rifle, according to the FPD.
“Fearing for his life after being chased and shot at, Officer Burch immediately drew his department issued service weapon, and turned around to return fire,” the FPD said in the video release.
At least one round hit the suspect as he abandoned the motorcycle and tried to make his way back to the stolen SUV, the video showed.
Gloria collapsed face-down onto the pavement shortly before the footage ended.
He ultimately died from his wounds, KPIX reported.
Had he survived, Gloria would have been charged with felony evading, possession of a stolen vehicle, attempted homicide on a police officer, and felon in possession of a firearm, the FPD said in the video release.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office is handling the ongoing investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
Officer Burch has been with the FPD for six years.
“The members of our department deeply value the sanctity of life and dedicate themselves to protecting others at the risk of their own safety,” the department said in the video release.
Watch the incident unfold in the video below. Warning – Graphic Content and Obscene Language:
