San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy was shot and killed Monday afternoon in Rancho Cucamonga after responding to reports of an armed man threatening a woman, authorities said. The suspect fled on a motorcycle, sparking a high-speed chase that ended in a crash and arrest on the 210 Freeway.
Deputies were dispatched around 12:37 p.m. to the 12300 block of Hollyhock Drive, near Victoria Gardens, after receiving reports of a man with a gun threatening a female victim, according to the sheriff’s department. When deputies arrived five minutes later, the suspect immediately opened fire, striking one deputy.
The deputy, identified as 30-year-old Andrew Nuñez, a six-year veteran of the department, was airlifted to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, where he was later pronounced dead. Sheriff Shannon Dicus said Nuñez was a “dedicated public servant” who leaves behind a wife, a 2-year-old daughter, and another child on the way.
“This is a devastating day for our agency,” Dicus said. “Deputy Nuñez made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting others. We ask the public to keep his family and our department in their thoughts and prayers.”
After the shooting, the suspect fled the neighborhood on a motorcycle, prompting a high-speed pursuit that extended across several Inland Empire cities. Deputies and California Highway Patrol officers pursued the rider on the eastbound 210 Freeway, where speeds topped 100 mph.
The chase ended around 1:35 p.m. near Campus Avenue in Upland when the motorcyclist crashed into another vehicle and was thrown from the bike. Sheriff Dicus said an off-duty narcotics deputy performed a “legal intervention” to stop the suspect before the crash.
The suspect, whose name has not been released, was taken into custody and transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. He remains under guard as investigators work to determine what led to the attack.
Dozens of law enforcement officers gathered outside Arrowhead Regional Medical Center after word spread of the deputy’s death. A procession of patrol cars later escorted Nuñez’s body from the hospital to the county coroner’s office.
Authorities have not disclosed a motive or the identity of the woman the suspect allegedly threatened. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Homicide Detail is leading the investigation with assistance from state and federal agencies.
Traffic on the 210 Freeway was briefly shut down following the crash as investigators processed the scene. Residents in the Rancho Cucamonga neighborhood described hearing gunfire and seeing officers rush to the area before helicopters began circling overhead.
San Bernardino County officials said the district attorney’s office is preparing to file charges, including murder of a peace officer. Sheriff Dicus said a memorial service for Deputy Nuñez will be announced in the coming days.
“This tragedy reminds us of the dangers law enforcement officers face every day,” Dicus said. “Deputy Nuñez’s courage and service will never be forgotten.
