Driver charged with murder of San Jose officer; partner released from hospital
SAN JOSE, Calif. - The Santa Clara County District Attorney this week charged a driver with the death of a San Jose community service officer, while his partner was released from the hospital after the weekend tragedy.
Prosecutors charged Juan Huerta-Placios of Morgan Hill, 44, with murder and drinking under the influence when he allegedly struck and killed officer Long Pham, 24, and injured his partner, Veronica Baer, 43, on Saturday.
The pair were conducting traffic control for an unrelated accident on Monterey Road and Palm Avenue, San Jose police said.
Friend remembers member of San Jose 'police family' killed on the job
The flags are at half-staff outside San Jose police headquarters as officers pay tribute to their fallen brother in blue.
Huerta-Placios plowed into their patrol car, police said.
Pham was the first community service officer to be killed in the line of duty in San Jose.
Meanwhile, Baer was released from the hospital on Wednesday, which San Jose police shared on social media.
In an emotional photo, police shared a hug between Baer and a colleague.
Police also shared a photo of officers lined up at the hospital as she was wheeled out of Valley Medical Center.
"We’re thankful that CSO Veronica Baer was released from the hospital after 4 days of intensive care," police shared on X. "The road to recovery will be long, but we are extremely grateful to get her home."
Scott Seaman, a retired captain from the department, is now President of the San Jose Police Foundation.
The non-profit is working to raise funds to support Baer and the family of Pham.
The Municipal Employee Foundation, the union representing community service officers, told KTVU that Baer’s road to recovery will be long.
"She is definitely in high spirits. She’s very much happy to be home though very much so still recovering," said Nick Rovetto, President of the Municipal Employee Foundation.
Just like he did for the funeral of slain Oakland Police officer Tuan Le, forensic artist Jonny Castro used his computer skills to design a digital portrait of Pham, something he’s done over 1700 times for fallen first responders.
"They’re humans, you know. They have families. They have a human side of them and this is somebody’s loved one who’s, who’s gone," said Castro.
The San Jose Police Foundation has raised about two million dollars over the past sixteen years, to help law enforcement buy things like gear, and treat the mental health of those who risk their lives every day.
"It gives me inspiration when members of the community see the effect of that risk and want to come together to help," said Seaman.
A memorial was set up near the crash site in memory of Pham while Baer focuses on healing.
"Her goal is to get back to working with her partners in the field as soon as possible," said Rovetto.
In just the first two days, the foundation had already raised about eight thousand dollars in an online fundraiser.