San Jose officials say the man who was arrested for allegedly stabbing a police officer has an extensive criminal history.
It was a hectic scene outside the Target store on Coleman Avenue Tuesday when police arrested 41-year old Eli Scott, who they said was intoxicated, and pulled a machete on store security officers. He reportedly dropped the machete and ran off before officers caught and arrested him but only after a violent struggle.
Scott was arrested near the homeless encampment where he lived and had a scary reputation.
“Even unhoused people are afraid of him. You know, he’s been around and unhoused don’t want to be around him because they’re afraid that he might do something to them,” said unhoused advocate Gail Osmer.
Police said that Scott stabbed one officer in the arm with a knife, which will require surgery attacked the other officer.
According to records shared by the San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan’s office, Scott has a violent criminal history of four felony convictions including two for family violence and assault with a deadly weapon. Scott also has numerous misdemeanor convictions including a previous altercation with police and use of meth.
Mahan said the case shows the justice system needs to do a better job and pointed out he’s heard from store employees the nearby encampment is a source of problems.
“It’s also a reminder that it is not humane, safe or sustainable to leave thousands of people in unmanaged tent encampments indefinitely,” he said.
Unhoused advocates said that’s not fair.
“Eli should not represent every unhoused person. Not every unhoused person is a druggie. Or an alcoholic. Or a criminal,” Osmer said.
San Jose city officials confirmed Wednesday that the encampment was targeted for a sweep this summer. but that timetable has been moved up because of this incident and it could actually happen within a week.
Scott is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday.
Source: NBC Bay Area
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