A landlord-tenant dispute in South San Jose turned deadly Sunday night when a 69-year-old man was shot and killed by police following an exchange of gunfire.
The series of events unfolded Sunday night, starting with an argument between the suspect and his tenant over rent and household guests.
According to San Jose Police Chief Paul Joseph, “Initial reports of the confrontation describe the landlord as having a handgun in his pants pocket as he repeatedly pushed a guest of a tenant.”
The suspect was identified as 69-year-old Ted Lieu. Police were initially unable to determine if a crime had occurred, and the victims did not want to pursue charges, so officers left the scene.
However, about an hour later, the same tenant called 911 again.
Chief Joseph said the caller “reported that the landlord was standing in the hallway of the house holding a shotgun threatening her and preventing her and another roommate from leaving the residence.”
When police arrived, they found that Lieu had fled the location. Officers safely removed the victims from the home and began searching the area, locating Lieu hiding in a shed just a few houses down. Investigators say he ultimately opened fire.
“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,” Chief Joseph said.
Three officers returned fire, and Lieu was pronounced dead at the scene. During the investigation, a firearm was recovered, alongside an assault rifle found at the suspect’s residence and a third firearm discovered in a garbage can.
Investigators noted that Lieu had a history of conflict with neighbors and tenants involving firearms, as well as a prior history with law enforcement.
The shock of the incident is still settling in for residents along Locke Drive.
“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,” said neighbor Lilia Gaspar.
Gaspar added, “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.”
Fortunately, none of the officers were injured. Chief Joseph stated that all three involved officers had several years of experience on the police force.
The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office is investigating the shooting.
