San Jose's Cinco de Mayo celebrations were dampened Sunday evening by a double stabbing incident and multiple instances of illegal activity that led to extensive traffic diversions throughout the city. The San Jose Police Department responded to a report of the stabbing on South King Road near Lido Way at approximately 5:27 p.m., alongside incidents of fighting, car sideshows, and reckless driving in the downtown and East San Jose areas, as detailed in an X post from police media relations.
Units are currently investigating a double stabbing incident in the area of S King Rd and Lido Way. Two victims have been transported to local hospitals with life threatening injuries.
— San José Police Media Relations (@SJPD_PIO) May 6, 2024
The area has significant vehicle and pedestrian congestion and we are asking the public to… pic.twitter.com/ffPfeTliGn
The Mercury News reported that the two victims of the stabbing, both males, were taken to hospitals with what were initially thought to be life-threatening injuries. However, later updates from authorities indicated that the juvenile's injuries were downgraded to non-life-threatening, while the adult male remained in critical condition. The stabbings occurred just after a well-attended event that included a lowrider parade had concluded, raising questions about the intersection of public festivities and public safety.
To control growing crowds and curb illegal activities, the San Jose Police Department announced traffic diversions on East Santa Clara Street and again later in the evening near Monterey Road and Southside Drive. Riders of the Santa Clara County Valley Transportation Authority were warned of possible delays of up to an hour due to the continued disruptions, as noted in police statements on social media.
After deploying traffic diversions due to "illegal activity and safety concerns," the San Jose Police Department lifted these measures just after midnight, explaining that "traffic diversions are temporary and will be lifted as soon as it is safe and practical to do so." This comment from the police was echoed in an X post announcing the end of the traffic disruptions and thanking the public for their patience.
