K9 bites Fremont police sergeant, suspect accidentally shot
Feb 20, 2026
(KRON) -- A Fremont police sergeant accidentally shot a burglary suspect after the sergeant was bitten by a police K9, authorities said.
The incident began on Valentine's Day when detectives attempted to arrest four suspects in Fremont who were wanted for multiple prior residential burglaries acro
ss the Bay Area. The group committed more burglaries on February 14 before they returned to Fremont, police said.
"A vehicle pursuit was initiated. The suspect vehicle was ultimately disabled, and all four suspects fled on foot," the Fremont Police Department wrote.
FPD Sgt. James Taylor was attempting to apprehend one of the suspects, 25-year-old Freddy Magana Gonzales of Redwood City, when a police K9 bit Taylor, according to police.
The injured sergeant then "unintentionally discharged his service weapon, striking the suspect," FPD wrote.
The police shooting happened in the area of Blacow Road and Mattos Court around 9:45 p.m.
Gonzales suffered non-life-threatening injuries from the accidental shooting, police said. As of Thursday, he remained hospitalized. Once he is medically cleared, Gonzales will be booked into jail to face a slew of charges.
Taylor is a 17-year veteran with Fremont police and he is assigned to the Crime Reduction Unit. "Sergeant Taylor received medical care at a local trauma center for the injuries sustained as a result of being bitten by a police canine," FPD wrote.
Six skiers killed in Castle Peak avalanche identified
Officers also arrested Gonzales' three suspected accomplices.
Police said the four suspects are facing charges including burglary, possession of stolen property, and possession of burglary tools, reckless evasion of a peace officer, possession of a concealed firearm, being a felon in possession of a firearm, resisting arrest, and theft.
The Fremont Police Department is the primary agency investigating the "Officer Involved Shooting (OIS)." FPD wrote, "The Fremont Police Department is dedicated to transparency and will release additional information, including evidence and records, when appropriate and in accordance with state laws."
...read more
read less