Crime
27-year-old Steven Vega killed in Bridgeport shooting
UPDATE: Murder Suspect Wanted in Connection with the Fatal Shooting of Steven Vega.
Suspect Details:
- Name: Nelson Garcia
- Gender: Male
- Ethnicity: Hispanic
- Age: 47
- Date of Birth: August 13, 1977
- Height: 5’2″
- Weight: 150 lbs.
- Hair Color: Black
- Eye Color: Brown
- Last Known Address: 242 Lake Street, Bridgeport, Connecticut
Garcia is known to frequent the North End and West Side neighborhoods of Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Nelson Garcia is considered armed and dangerous. If spotted, do not approach him directly.
- Call 911 immediately with any information regarding his whereabouts.
- After contacting emergency services, please follow up with Detective Elizabeth Santora at 203-581-5291.
The public’s assistance is crucial in apprehending this suspect and ensuring the safety of the community. Do not attempt to engage or apprehend the suspect yourself.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
A tragic shooting on Saturday has claimed the life of a 27-year-old Bridgeport man, marking the city’s first homicide of the year, according to police.
The shooting occurred around 4:30 p.m. in the 200 block of Lake Street, near the intersection of Reservoir Avenue and Polk Street.
Responding officers discovered Steven Vega, suffering from gunshot wounds to his torso and hand.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the altercation began inside a residence at 242 Lake Street and escalated outside, where the shooting took place.
Vega was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment but succumbed to his injuries on Sunday morning.
Authorities believe the incident was isolated and that Vega and the shooter were acquainted.
Bridgeport Police are urging anyone with information regarding the shooting to come forward. Detective Elizabeth Santora can be reached at 203-581-5291. Alternatively, tips can be submitted anonymously through the Bridgeport Police Tips Line at 203-576-TIPS.
This incident is currently under active investigation as authorities work to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
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.