SAN JOSE, CA – A holiday event in San Jose turned into a scene of panic when a driver, attempting to evade police, barreled through the heart of Christmas in the Park, causing visitors to scatter in fear. The unsettling incident unfolded when the vehicle sped through the festive displays, narrowly missing pedestrians and creating chaos amid the holiday cheer.
Witnesses recounted the heart-stopping moments as the driver, initially pursued for a traffic violation, veered into the park, navigating perilously close to oncoming traffic before plowing through the holiday attraction. Zach Tapper, the event operations manager, was present during the turmoil and urgently warned attendees to move to safety. “I just started to yell, ‘Get out of the way!’ Thankfully, not many people were there at the time,” Tapper said, reflecting on the potential for a more tragic outcome had the park been crowded.
Joseph Williams, who was working at his booth carving signs, described the harrowing scene as the vehicle approached. The driver, after failing to navigate through traffic, accelerated through a pedestrian path, coming dangerously close to those near Santa’s house. The quick-thinking actions of on-site staff and the fortunate timing of the event helped avert injuries and damage.
San Jose police reported that the incident began when officers attempted to stop the vehicle for a violation. The driver initially pulled into a hotel drop-off area, made a sudden U-turn, collided with a parked car, and then fled the scene. Choosing not to pursue the vehicle further due to safety concerns, officers watched as the driver headed the wrong way down Market Street before entering the park.
Remarkably, no injuries were reported, and the festive displays remained unscathed. Leaders of Christmas in the Park expressed their shock, noting that nothing like this had occurred in the event’s 40-year history. They are now considering measures to enhance safety for future gatherings. “We’re really looking at what we can do to make that crosswalk a little bit safer,” they stated, emphasizing their commitment to visitor safety.
The community is grateful for the quick response from staff and the fortunate circumstances that prevented what could have been a devastating incident. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring the park is a safe and joyful experience for all attendees.