The Santa Clara Police Department (SCPD) assisted in a homicide arrest where a local man allegedly evaded police across two cities before blowing a red light, crashing into another car and careening into a traffic pole, killing his passenger.

On June 17, police charged Justin Buban, 38, of San Jose, with a slew of charges related to a June 14 incident. 

Just after midnight, SCPD officers spotted a gold Buick driving recklessly on Stevens Creek Boulevard — speeding, driving through several red lights, driving on the center median and on the wrong side of the road.

Officers caught up to the Buick on Highway 880, attempted to pull it over, but the driver refused to stop, according to reports. Officers chased the Buick along the highway, through Santa Clara and into San Jose. All along the way, the driver still refused to stop say police. 

As the pursuit continued into San Jose, the Buick ran a red light and crashed into another car at the intersection of Naglee Avenue and Park Avenue in San Jose. After hitting the other car, the Buick careened into a traffic pole.

The collision killed the Buick’s passenger. Paramedics transported Buban and the other vehicle’s occupants to a local hospital. The surviving victims suffered minor injuries.

SCPD coordinated with the San Jose Police Department on the investigation, which remains ongoing. Both departments have coordinated with the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office on the charges.

Buban faces charges of homicide, evading police, evading police with disregard, evading causing serious bodily injury or death, reckless driving and two counts of driving under the influence causing bodily injury.

Additionally, at the time of his arrest, Buban had warrant charges: felon in possession of a firearm, two counts of driving or taking a vehicle without consent, two counts of false personation, petty theft, evading police, resisting an officer and two counts of failure to appear in court.

Buban remains in custody at a local hospital. Further details from SCPD were unavailable. 

SCPD asks anyone with information about the incident to contact the San José Police Department’s traffic investigations unit at (408) 277-4654.

Witnesses 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) 615-4847 (4TIP).

Contact David Alexander at d.todd.alexander@gmail.com 

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