San Jose police officer charged with drunkenly firing gun explains his alcohol use – KTVU

Report on San Jose Police Officer Charged with Firearm Misconduct and Alcohol Use

Incident Overview

On June 25, 2025, Officer Timothy Faye, a 22-year veteran of the San Jose Police Department (SJPD), was arraigned in Santa Clara County Superior Court on charges related to the reckless discharge of a firearm while intoxicated. The incident occurred at the Morgan Hill residence of his ex-girlfriend, where he allegedly fired a gun under the influence of alcohol.

Legal Proceedings

1. Officer Faye did not enter a plea to two felony counts of willful discharge of a firearm with gross negligence.
2. He was arrested on June 18, 2025, following the firearm incident.
3. Additional allegations include a separate arrest for suspected child abuse involving his fiancée and her 8-year-old daughter in Monterey County; however, no charges have been filed in this case to date.
4. Faye was previously involved in a 2018 shooting incident at a San Jose power plant.

Alcohol Use and Personal Statement

During the court hearing, Officer Faye acknowledged that his alcohol consumption has been a coping mechanism for trauma experienced in his personal and professional life. He expressed a commitment to improving himself and contributing positively to society.

“It’s been traumatic. We all have coping mechanisms. I use alcohol as a coping mechanism. I need to find what is best for me, make myself my best person and make the world a better place for everyone else.”

Court Decision and Conditions of Release

• Judge L. Michael Clark granted Officer Faye release under several conditions:
• Daily monitoring
• Mandatory check-ins with the police department’s Internal Affairs office
• Faye’s attorney requested his transfer to a rehabilitation facility specializing in treatment for first responders.

San Jose Police Department Response

• Following the arrest, Officer Faye was placed on administrative leave by SJPD.
• He is scheduled to return to court on August 20, 2025.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• The case highlights the importance of mental health support and substance abuse treatment for first responders, aligning with SDG 3’s focus on promoting well-being for all ages.
• Rehabilitation efforts for Officer Faye emphasize access to quality healthcare services tailored to occupational stress and trauma.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• The judicial process demonstrates accountability and the rule of law, key components of SDG 16.
• Monitoring and internal affairs oversight ensure transparency and integrity within law enforcement institutions.

SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

• Addressing allegations of child abuse and ensuring protective measures for vulnerable populations reflect commitments to SDG 5 and SDG 10.
• Promoting safe environments for all community members supports inclusive and equitable justice systems.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Maintaining public safety and trust in law enforcement contributes to building resilient and sustainable communities.
• Efforts to rehabilitate officers and reduce incidents of misconduct support safer urban environments.

References

• The Mercury News
• San Jose News Coverage

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses alcohol use as a coping mechanism, highlighting issues related to mental health and substance abuse.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • The article involves legal proceedings related to reckless firearm discharge and alleged child abuse, touching on justice, law enforcement accountability, and institutional integrity.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • There is an implication of domestic issues involving a female ex-girlfriend and a child, which relates to protection from violence and abuse.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
   • Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 3 Indicators
   • Prevalence of alcohol use disorders and substance abuse treatment rates (implied by the mention of rehabilitation and alcohol use as a coping mechanism).
   • Number of people receiving mental health and substance abuse services.
2. SDG 16 Indicators
   • Number of victims of violence and abuse reported and prosecuted (implied by charges and legal proceedings).
   • Effectiveness and accountability of law enforcement institutions (implied by Internal Affairs monitoring and legal accountability).
3. SDG 5 Indicators
   • Incidence of violence against women and children reported and addressed by authorities.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: ktvu.com