Mateusz Dzierbun Obituary, Death: Man fatally shot by San Jose Police may have killed child to provoke deadly standoff

Mateusz Dzierbun Obituary, Death – San Jose police believe a man fatally shot by officers on Sunday may have killed his own child in a calculated attempt to provoke a deadly confrontation with law enforcement. The suspect has been identified as 48-year-old Mateusz Dzierbun, a resident of Fremont. According to police, Dzierbun was the person who called 911 just before 3:30 p.m., reporting that an unknown individual was stabbing a child at Cataldi Park. However, investigators later determined that Dzierbun himself was the caller and the alleged attacker.

When officers arrived at the park, they found Dzierbun crouched over a 9-year-old child, holding a large kitchen knife. The child, who was later identified as Dzierbun’s son, appeared to be seriously injured and bleeding. Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation by giving verbal commands, but Dzierbun refused to comply.

According to a police statement, Dzierbun suddenly stood up, raised the knife, and charged at the officers. Two officers opened fire, striking him. Officers attempted to render aid to the child, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Dzierbun was transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

San Jose Police Chief Paul Joseph said the incident was unlike anything he’s encountered in his three decades of service. He described Dzierbun’s actions as a calculated and disturbing attempt at “suicide by cop.”

“These officers had no idea the frantic caller was actually the suspect,” Chief Joseph said during a press briefing. “A deranged man who murdered his own son and used the call as a twisted trap to force officers into shooting him.”

The child’s injuries were described as so severe that authorities found it difficult to comprehend how a father could inflict such harm. At this time, no prior criminal history or mental health issues have been found for Dzierbun in Alameda or Santa Clara counties, though police noted he has lived in several states. The investigation remains active, and authorities are working to gather more background information on him.

Chief Joseph acknowledged the trauma faced by the responding officers and expressed his deep sorrow over the incident. One officer involved has four and a half years of experience, while the other has served for over 19 years.

“This is a tragedy beyond words,” Joseph said. “The pain felt by our officers, the child’s family, and our entire community is immense. And while we may uncover more details, one thing is certain—this senseless loss will never truly make sense.”

Police continue to investigate the case to better understand what led to the horrific events at Cataldi Park, but officials emphasize that nothing will ever justify the loss of an innocent child.