SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) — A shooting outside a Kaiser Permanente medical office building in South San Jose left a male suspect dead and a woman fighting for her life.
The San Jose Police Department responded to the scene at approximately 10:14 a.m. in the 5700 block of Cottle Road.
According to authorities, the incident took place in an outdoor parking lot area shared by several medical offices.
Both individuals were found suffering from at least one gunshot wound and were rushed to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.
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The male victim later succumbed to his wounds and was pronounced dead. The female victim remains in critical but stable condition.
During an afternoon press briefing, SJPD Public Information Officer Stacie Shih confirmed that investigators believe the deceased male is the primary suspect in the shooting.
"Now, while we are investigating this and trying to determine the motives and circumstances, it is an ongoing investigation," Shih said.
"I can preliminarily say that we do believe the adult male is a suspect in this incident… and there is no ongoing threat to public safety."
Investigators confirmed that the man and the woman knew each other. However, detectives are still working to determine the exact nature of their relationship and what led to the gunfire.
Police have declined to officially label the incident as an attempted murder-suicide while the active investigation continues.
The shooting took place directly outside buildings housing Kaiser Permanente's ophthalmology and psychiatry outpatient clinics.
These offices operate independently from the main Kaiser emergency hospital complex nearby.
The gunfire sparked immediate panic inside the facility, prompting staff and patients to shelter in place.
Lisa Cohn, whose husband works as a surgeon at the complex, recounted the terrifying moments inside the building.
"He said that he heard screaming and a SWAT team of police came in all through the building," Cohn told reporters. "They moved them away from the windows and into a center area of the Kaiser Permanente ophthalmology facility."
Nearby residents expressed shock over the violent outbreak in what is typically considered a quiet, low-crime neighborhood.
"I'm really shocked that something would happen like that over here because this is generally a really safe neighborhood," said Amanda Steele, a local resident. "We don't really have a lot of crime."
A heavy law enforcement presence remained on the scene into the afternoon, forcing temporary street closures and restrictions around Cottle Road and Beswick Drive. Kaiser Permanente cancelled remaining appointments at the affected offices for the day.
Full statement from Kaiser Permanente:
"This morning, a shooting occurred outside our medical office campus on Cottle Road in San Jose. The police have reported that the two individuals involved knew each other. The shooter has died from his injuries. This was a personal matter, with the shooter coming to our employee's place of work.
While this isolated event is deeply concerning, there is no ongoing threat to our employees, physicians, patients, members, or visitors.
Because of the active police investigation and out of respect for the privacy of those involved, we are unable to share additional details at this time.
The safety and well-being of our employees, physicians, patients, members, and visitors remain our highest priority. We are grateful for the swift response of our staff, security personnel, and first responders. We are fully cooperating with the San Jose Police Department and appreciate their continued partnership and support."
Stay with ABC7 News for updates on this developing story.
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