On June 17, 2026, suspect Justin Buban was charged with Homicide, Evading a Police Officer Causing Serious Injury or Death, Reckless Driving, as well as various other criminal charges outlined below.
This arrest stems from a fatal traffic collision that occurred June 14, 2026, at approximately 12:16 a.m. in San Jose. Santa Clara Police Department (SCPD) officers observed a gold Buick on Stevens Creek Boulevard driving recklessly. The vehicle was observed traveling at a high rate of speed, driving through several solid red traffic signals, driving on the center median, and driving on the wrong side of the road. Officers were able to catch up to the Buick on Highway 880, attempted to pull over the Buick, and the vehicle refused to stop. Officers pursued the Buick on Highway 880, through the streets of Santa Clara and into San Jose, as the vehicle continuously refused to stop for Officers. As the pursuit continued into the city of San Jose, the Buick ran a solid red traffic signal and collided with another motorist in the intersection of Naglee Avenue and Park Avenue in San Jose. After the initial collision, the Buick collided with a traffic pole at the intersection.
Based on the injuries sustained from the collision, the passenger of the Buick was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Buick was transported to a local hospital. Both occupants in the second vehicle were transported to local hospitals for minor injuries. Both parties in the Buick were adults.
San Jose Police Department Traffic Investigations Unit is the lead agency for the collision investigation. SJPD Traffic Investigators and SCPD Traffic Investigators have conducted a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Both agencies have worked with the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office, which culminated with the suspect being charged with Homicide. This is still an active and ongoing investigation.
Buban remains in custody at a local hospital. The identity of the decedent will be released by the Santa Clara County Office of the Medical Examiner.
Anyone with information on this investigation is urged to contact the San José Police Department's Traffic Investigations Unit at 408-277-4654.
Witnesses to the collision can also contact Traffic Investigator Ernst at 408-615-4764. Alternatively, those who wish to remain nameless can leave a message on the SCPD Anonymous Tip Line at (408)-615-4TIP (4847).
Suspect: Justin Buban
Age: 38 years old
Residence: San Jose, CA
Charges Filed by the District Attorney after review:
CA Penal Code 187(A) – Homicide
CA Vehicle Code 2800.2(A) – Evading a Police Officer with Disregard
CA Vehicle Code 2800.3(B) – Evading Causing Serious Bodily Injury or Death
CA Vehicle Code 2800.4 – Evading a Police Officer
CA Vehicle Code 23103(A) – Reckless Driving
CA Vehicle Code 23153(F) – Driving Under the Influence causing Bodily Injury
CA Vehicle Code 23153(F) – Driving Under the Influence causing Bodily Injury
Arrest Warrant Charges suspect had prior to pursuit:
CA Penal Code 29800(A)(1) – Felon in Possession of a Firearm
CA Vehicle Code 10851(A) – Driving or Taking a Vehicle without Consent
CA Penal Code 529(A)(3) – False Personation
CA Penal Code 488 – Petty Theft
CA Penal Code 529(A)(3) – False Personation
CA Vehicle Code 2800.2 (A) – Evading a Police Officer
CA Penal Code 148(A)(1) – Resisting an Officer
CA Vehicle Code 10851(A) – Driving or Taking a Vehicle without Consent
CA Penal Code 1320.5 – Failure to Appear in Court
CA Penal Code 1320.5 – Failure to Appear in Court
