06/14/2026
On June 14, 2016, Officer Michael Katherman, who was assigned to the Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU), was working targeted enforcement with other TEU Officers in the area of North Tenth and Hedding Streets. At approximately 4:22 PM, Officer Katherman was traveling north on North Tenth Street on his police motorcycle. As he approached Horning Street, a minivan attempted to turn left from southbound North Tenth Street onto eastbound Horning Street. The minivan drove into Officer Katherman’s pathway and caused a collision causing Officer Katherman to strike the vehicle and roadway.
Several citizens observed the collision and stopped to assist. One of the citizens used Officer Katherman’s police radio to call for assistance. Other officers soon arrived and with the assistance of citizens, began rendering first aid. Officer Katherman was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Officer Katherman was the thirteenth San Jose Police Officer that died in the line of duty.
