Crime
San Bernardino County Deputy Killed in Rancho Cucamonga Shooting
Suspect Arrested After High-Speed Pursuit
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. — A San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputy was shot and killed Monday afternoon after responding to reports of an armed man threatening a woman in a residential neighborhood of Rancho Cucamonga.
The incident sparked a high-speed pursuit that ended with the suspect’s capture following a violent crash on the 210 Freeway.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, deputies were dispatched at approximately 12:37 p.m. to the 12300 block of Hollyhock Drive, just north of Victoria Gardens, after receiving reports of a Hispanic male armed with a firearm and threatening a female victim.
When deputies arrived on the scene around 12:42 p.m., the suspect immediately opened fire, striking one deputy.
Despite efforts by responding officers, the deputy sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, where he later succumbed to his wounds.
Following the shooting, the suspect fled the area on a motorcycle, prompting a large-scale pursuit that extended onto the eastbound 210 Freeway.
Deputies and California Highway Patrol officers pursued the suspect through multiple jurisdictions at high speeds.
At approximately 1:35 p.m., the chase ended when the suspect crashed near Campus Avenue in the city of Upland.
He was taken into custody at the scene and transported to a hospital with unspecified injuries.
Video from outside Arrowhead Regional Medical Center showed dozens of law enforcement officers gathered in solidarity as news spread of the deputy’s passing. Family members were also seen arriving at the hospital amid a somber atmosphere.
San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus and multiple agency representatives responded to both the shooting scene and the hospital.
Sheriff Dicus described the incident as a tragic loss for the department and the law enforcement community as a whole.
“This is a devastating day for our agency,” a sheriff’s spokesperson said. “One of our deputies made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting others. We ask the public to keep the deputy’s family and our department in their thoughts and prayers.”
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the fallen deputy or the suspect’s name, pending family notifications and ongoing investigation.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Homicide Detail, assisted by state and federal partners, continues to investigate both the shooting and the pursuit.
Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. — Authorities have identified the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputy who was fatally shot Monday afternoon while responding to a domestic violence call in Rancho Cucamonga as Deputy Andrew Nuñez, a six-year veteran of the department.
Deputy Nuñez was tragically killed after being struck in the head by gunfire during a confrontation with an armed suspect that led to a high-speed pursuit and crash along the 210 Freeway.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the incident began at approximately 12:37 p.m., when deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 12300 block of Hollyhock Drive in Rancho Cucamonga following reports of a Hispanic male armed with a firearm and threatening a female victim.
When deputies arrived on the scene around 12:42 p.m., the suspect opened fire without warning, striking Deputy Nuñez.
Additional units immediately rendered aid and requested emergency medical assistance.
Deputy Nuñez was airlifted to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Following the shooting, the suspect fled the area on a motorcycle, prompting a large-scale pursuit involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
The chase traveled eastbound along the 210 Freeway, reaching high speeds through several communities.
At approximately 1:35 p.m., the pursuit ended when the suspect crashed near Campus Avenue in the city of Upland.
He was taken into custody at the scene and transported to a nearby hospital with injuries sustained in the crash.
Outside Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, dozens of deputies, officers, and family members gathered in somber unity as news spread of Deputy Nuñez’s passing.
Sheriff Shannon Dicus was among those present, describing the event as a heartbreaking and devastating loss for the department and the community.
“Deputy Nuñez was a dedicated public servant who risked his life to protect others,” Sheriff Dicus said. “He exemplified courage, professionalism, and compassion — and his loss will be deeply felt throughout our law enforcement family.”
Deputy Andrew Nuñez had served honorably with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for six years, earning the respect of colleagues and community members alike.
He is remembered as a devoted deputy, colleague, and friend who consistently demonstrated commitment to his duty and the residents he served.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Homicide Detail, with assistance from the California Highway Patrol and FBI, is leading the investigation into the shooting and pursuit.
Authorities have not yet released the name of the suspect pending formal charges.
The department announced that further updates, including funeral arrangements and memorial details, will be shared at a later time.
“Please keep Deputy Nuñez’s family, loved ones, and fellow deputies in your thoughts and prayers during this time of profound loss,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.