2021 >> San Jose police Officer Barron Kim’s encounter with William Wallace over a minor infraction — jaywalking — careened into violence. Should the officer have walked away rather than confronting him?

Kim immediately suspected that Wallace’s “bizarre behavior” stemmed from mental illness or intoxication. When Kim informed Wallace of his intent to detain him, Wallace was defiant, cursing at the officer and pushing his bike toward him as he walked away.

Kim responded with force, chasing Wallace down, pinning him to the ground and punching him multiple times in the face. Wallace fought back. He was left with a broken nose and multiple lacerations from the encounter.

After Wallace filed a complaint, San Jose’s independent police auditor raised questions about why Kim confronted Wallace at all. The department reviewed the incident and exonerated Kim.