Santa Clara Officer Cleared in Fatal Shooting

District Attorney's Office says officer acted lawfully to save roommate's life.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:04pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of a large kitchen knife blade, the metal surface reflecting the harsh light of the camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the dangerous weapon at the center of this violent crime incident.A police investigation into a violent crime scene reveals the dangerous weapon used in the attack.Stockton Today

The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office has cleared a police officer who fatally shot a man who was attacking his roommate with a large kitchen knife. The report states the officer had no reasonable alternative and acted to save the life of the victim, who said he likely would not have survived if the officer had arrived any later.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex and often split-second decisions officers must make when confronted with immediate threats of lethal violence. The investigation aims to provide transparency around the use of deadly force and determine if it was justified to protect a life.

The details

According to the report, the officer, Allsup, responded to a 911 call about a stabbing in progress. He found the suspect, Mohammed, on top of the victim, Thompson, attempting to stab him with a large kitchen knife. Allsup shot Mohammed, who died at the scene. The report states Allsup had no opportunity to use less-than-lethal force without risking being stabbed himself, and that the threat was 'immediate, lethal, and unavoidable'.

  • The incident occurred around 6 a.m. on an unspecified date.
  • Five days prior, Thompson had testified against Mohammed in an eviction hearing.

The players

Officer Allsup

A police officer with the Santa Clara Police Department for almost four years, who previously had nine years of experience with the Stockton Police Department.

Mohammed

The suspect who attacked his roommate Thompson with a large kitchen knife.

Thompson

The victim who was attacked by Mohammed and said he likely would not have survived if the officer had arrived any later.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'If Allsup had been a little bit later in arriving at the home, 'I do not think I'd be here right now.''”

— Thompson

The takeaway

This incident highlights the difficult and high-stakes situations officers can face, where split-second decisions to use deadly force may be necessary to protect innocent lives. The investigation found the officer's actions were justified in this case, but such cases often prompt ongoing discussions about police use of force policies and procedures.