San Jose Police Department Press Release Re: Eli Scott Arrest
On May 6, 2025, at approximately 9:49 AM, San José Police Department Patrol Officers responded to a report of a disturbance involving a weapon at a business in the 500 Block of Coleman Avenue. The caller reported an intoxicated male suspect was armed with a machete and pointing it at security. The suspect was confronted by armed security and dropped the machete as he fled the scene. As one Officer arrived in the area, the suspect brandished a separate knife at the Officer who ordered the suspect to stop. The suspect then fled again on foot across Autumn Parkway toward an open field where two other Officers pursued the suspect on foot. In his attempts to flee, the suspect slipped and fell. The two Officers then attempted to take him into custody.
While attempting to take the suspect into custody, the suspect stabbed one Officer in the upper arm causing a serious injury. The suspect continued to violently resist arrest and attempted to stab the second Officer. The suspect was eventually disarmed and taken into custody after a significant struggle.
The victim Officer was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries that were later determined to be non-life threatening. The victim Officer was admitted into the hospital and had to undergo surgery. The victim Officer had 2.5 years of experience at the time of the incident.
The suspect was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries and released. The suspect had an extensive criminal history and was identified as Eli Scott. Suspect Scott was subsequently booked into the Santa Clara County Jail for attempted murder of two police officers, violently resisting arrest, assault with a deadly weapon, and brandishing a weapon.
“Every day, our officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect others. This violent attack is a stark reminder of that reality,” stated Chief of Police Paul Joseph. “We’re grateful our injured officer is expected to recover, and thankful he was able to intervene before anyone else was harmed.”
“I am extremely grateful for our police officers who continue to keep our community safe with everyday heroics, bravery and courage,” said City Manager Jennifer Maguire. “On behalf of our 7,000 City of San José employees, I want to say to our injured officer, we are wishing you a speedy recovery and thank you for your commitment to the people of San José.”
“It is horrifying to imagine walking into a Target and running into a man with a machete,” said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. “Because of the dangerous actions of someone who clearly needed to be behind bars or in secure treatment, a San Jose police officer is in the hospital instead of on patrol. As I pray for his swift recovery, I’m asking: how many more first responders need to be injured before our county and state expand the mental health and addiction treatment facilities we need?”
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective MacInnes #4778 of the San Jose Police Department Assaults Unit via email: [email protected] or 408-277-4161.
Submit crime tips and remain anonymous by using the P3TIPS mobile app, calling the tip line at (408) 947-STOP, or on www.siliconvalleycrimestoppers.org. If the information you submit leads to an arrest, you are eligible for a cash reward from the Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers Program.
BY: Sergeant Jorge Garibay #4218 AUTHORIZED BY: Lieutenant Habib #3993
DATE: 05/07/2025 TIME: 8:30 AM DATE: 05/07/2025 TIME: 8:30 AM
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