RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (KABC) — A San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy died after being shot by a suspect in Rancho Cucamonga Monday afternoon, according to the sheriff.
Sheriff Shannon Dicus identified the deputy killed as 28-year-old Andrew Nunez. He leaves behind a wife, a 2-year-old daughter, a mother and four brothers and sisters. His wife was also expecting, the sheriff said.
Dicus said Nunez had been with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for six years and served the Rancho Cucamonga community for five years. He described Nunez as a “wonderful father” and “wonderful deputy sheriff.”
After the suspect fired at the sheriff’s deputy, he hopped on a motorcycle, sparking a dramatic, high-speed chase that ended in a major crash on the 210 Freeway near Upland.
During an afternoon press conference, Dicus confirmed that an off-duty narcotics officer conducted a “legal intervention” by striking the suspect on the motorcycle, which sparked the crash that ended the chase.
The shooting was reported at about 12:37 p.m. in a residential area in the 12300 block of Hollyhock Drive in Rancho Cucamonga, just north of Victoria Gardens. Deputies reportedly responded to the area for a domestic violence call about an armed man threatening a woman.
The deputies were fired upon as soon as they arrived at the scene, the sheriff’s department said. Nunez sustained a single gunshot wound to the head, Dicus said.
He was rushed to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton and was pronounced dead at 1:13 p.m.
Video from the hospital shows law enforcement officers gathered outside the emergency room. An Eyewitness News crew at the scene also spotted what appeared to be family members arriving at the hospital.
The suspect was taken into custody and transported to the hospital in stable condition after the crash on the 210 Freeway.
The sheriff’s department said he will be booked for murder upon medical clearance. The district attorney’s office said domestic violence charges may also be filed.
A long procession of law enforcement officers formed on Monday evening as Nunez’s body was transported from the hospital to the coroner’s office. Over 100 law enforcement officers participated in the procession.
“On behalf of all Californians, Jennifer and I extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Deputy Nunez,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said. “His courage, compassion and dedication to protecting others reflect the finest traditions of law enforcement. We honor his life and service with gratitude; may his sacrifice never be forgotten.”
In honor of Nunez, Newsom’s office said flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will be flown at half-staff.