University cop assaulted by reputed gang member

SAN JOSE >> A San Jose State University police sergeant was punched repeatedly in the face Monday night by a reputed gang member in what authorities described as a “surprise” attack in an altercation near the Hammer Theatre, according to the university.

Sgt. John Laws was briefly hospitalized at Valley Medical Center, where he was treated for numerous bruises, though he did not suffer any broken bones, according to university spokeswoman Pat Harris.

The man suspected of punching the officer was shocked with a stun gun by officers and also taken to Valley Medical Center, where he was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a peace officer, resisting arrest and challenging to a fight in a public area, Harris said. The suspect, identified as 23-year-old San Jose resident Juan Duran, remained in the hospital as of Tuesday afternoon and was expected to be booked into jail upon his release.

After the assault, Harris said, officers developed “evidence to suggest we can book him on a gang enhancement.”

Around midnight, Laws and another university officer patrolling the area — SJSU and San Jose police share jurisdiction in the immediate vicinity of the campus — were responding to a “minor incident” when they got wind of a fight between a group of university students and a group of men with no school affiliation.

One officer was talking with two men when the suspect, who was associated with them, “took a swing at him and took him by surprise,” Harris said. The officer then reached for his baton, but it was not clear how effectively he was able to defend himself.

In addition to Duran, San Jose residents Alfonso Verduo Ramirez, 29, and 25-year-old Uriel Verduo Ramirez on suspicion of resisting arrest, violating a gang order, and challenging to a fight in a public area, Harris said. She added that the trio “were observed being in two disturbances, the second of which involved our students.”

Prior to the attack on the officer, San Jose police received disturbance reports involving three men matching the description of the suspects harassing and confronting people within a few blocks of the theater. The reports detailed men confronting people seemingly at random, asking them about gang affiliations and challenging them to fight, authorities said.

The assault remains under investigation. Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call San Jose State University police at 408-924-2222.