Department of Justice Agent Involved in Shooting While Assisting in Apprehension of Parolee-At-Large

Wednesday, February 18, 2004
Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

(SAN JOSE) – An agent with the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday afternoon fatally shot and killed Rodolfo Cardenas, 43, of San Jose following a pursuit and confrontation.

The agent, whose name is being withheld pursuant to office policy, is a 12-year law enforcement veteran. He has been placed on administrative leave, pursuant to Department policy. The investigation into the shooting is being conducted by the San Jose Police Department and the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office. The Department of Justice has also initiated its own administrative review.

Agents with the DOJ's Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement had been asked by an agent with the State Parole Fugitive Apprehension Team to assist in the apprehension of David Joseph Gonzales, 37, of San Jose who was a parolee at large.

DOJ agents observed Cardenas drive by Gonzales' home, then speed off unexpectedly. DOJ agents activated emergency equipment including lights and sirens and a vehicular pursuit ensued. The pursuit continued on foot, ending in an alley in the 100 block of N. Fourth Street where the shots were fired. Cardenas was taken to San Jose Medical Center, where he later died.

In light of the pending investigations into the shooting, further details cannot be provided by DOJ at this time.

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