Man killed by Modesto police was from San Jose

The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department today released the name of a man shot to death by Modesto police officers after a high speed chase that ended when the fleeing pickup rammed two police cars.

Jesse Eugene Watson, 36, of San Jose was driving the pickup that sped away from a suspected burglary in west Modesto, said sheriff’s spokesman deputy Luke Schwartz.

Watson was pronounced dead at the scene. A woman, who was a passenger in the pickup, was injured and remained hospitalized this afternoon.

Schwartz said the woman has not been charged with a crime, so her name and age were not released. He said she could face criminal charges once authorities complete their investigation.

The shooting occurred north of Modesto at McHenry Avenue and Patterson Road.

Authorities say four officers fired into the cab of the suspects’ pickup after the occupants failed to surrender and the driver put the vehicle in reverse, ramming at least two police cars.

Schwartz said the Sheriff’s Department did not anticipate releasing any further information about the shooting, fearing it would harm the integrity of the investigation.

He said the investigation soon would be turned over to the Stanislaus County district attorney’s office.

Bee staff writer Rosalio Ahumada can be reached at 578-2394.

This story was originally published December 17, 2010 at 2:23 PM with the headline "Man killed by Modesto police was from San Jose."