The man suspected of fatally shooting a San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy was intentionally knocked off his motorcycle by another deputy as he led authorities on a high-speed chase on the 210 Freeway in Upland.
Sheriff’s Deputy Andrew Nunez was killed Monday while responding to a domestic violence incident. (San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department)
The deputy killed Monday was identified as Andrew Nunez, a six-year employee of the department. He leaves behind a 2-year-old daughter and a pregnant wife, according to Sheriff Shannon Dicus. The suspect, whose identity has not been determined, is in stable condition at an area hospital.
“We are saddened. Unfortunately, this has happened all too often to our department,” Dicus said during a press conference Monday afternoon. “We’re going to do everything we can to do the most important thing right now, which is to bring the suspect to justice and take care of that family properly.”
Nunez was shot and killed while responding to a call of an armed man threatening a woman in Rancho Cucamonga. According to the Sheriff’s Department, the incident happened in the 12300 block of Hollyhock Drive at 12:37 p.m.
Deputies were dispatched to the 12300 block of Hollyhock Drive in Rancho Cucamonga on a report of an armed man threatening a woman. Moments after deputies arrived on the scene, the suspect opened fire, striking Deputy Nunez. (OnScene.TV)
He was flown to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, where he was later pronounced dead.
San Bernardino County Dist. Atty. Jason Anderson said his office plans to file charges within the next two days. The charges being considered include murder of a police officer and domestic violence. However, Anderson emphasized that this is a volatile situation and there is still a lot of information to be reviewed.
On Monday around 1:20 p.m. authorities began chasing the fleeing suspect as he sped down the 210 freeway.
Dicus said the suspect was traveling at speeds in excess of 150 mph and at times nearly 200 mph. “You can imagine what that could have done to unsuspecting motorists on our highway,” he said.
At one point, the suspect nearly collided with a pursuing California Highway Patrol motorcyclist, according to helicopter footage from KTLA.
A fleeing motorcyclist suspected of shooting a San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy crashed during a high-speed chase Monday afternoon. (KTLA)
1:35 p.m. an off-duty sheriff’s deputy was on duty and made a legal intervention, striking the suspect and causing the motorcycle crash, Dicus said.
Helicopter footage shows the man traveling at 70mph collide with a black sedan, go over the wheel and land on its back. The injured suspect was loaded onto a stretcher and transported by helicopter from the scene of the accident 210 to the hospital.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the eastbound lanes of the 210 Freeway between Mountain Avenue and Campus Avenue are currently closed due to the crash.
Dicus said the department is working to identify and interview the suspect, and that he hopes to release his name to the public within the next 24 hours.
The Sheriff’s Department released a statement Monday night honoring Nunez’s service and offering condolences to his family, friends and fellow deputies.
“Deputy Nunez served with unwavering commitment, courage and deep compassion for the community he pledged to protect,” the department said. “His courage and self-sacrifice epitomize a life dedicated to protecting others, even at the greatest cost. Such dedication will forever be in our hearts.”
Nunez’s death was met with grief from elected officials and first responders.
Deputies converged on Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Monday afternoon, where Deputy Nunez was pronounced dead. (TV ONSCENE)
“My prayers are with his wife, young daughter and family,” Assemblyman Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale) said in a statement. “His courage and dedication to protecting others will never be forgotten.”
A memorial procession for the fallen deputy began around 6:30 p.m., when scores of law enforcement personnel gathered outside Arrowhead Regional Medical Center to greet Nunez’s body as it was carried out of the building. A motorcade then escorted the body from the medical center to the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office.
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This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.