Crime
Video shows moments Las Vegas Athletic Club shooting suspect Daniel Ortega shot and killed by officer
LAS VEGAS — Authorities have identified the gunman in last week’s deadly shooting at the Las Vegas Athletic Club (LVAC) as 34-year-old Daniel Ortega.
During a press conference held Monday, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) provided new details about the incident and confirmed the victim as 31-year-old Edgar Quinonez, a longtime LVAC employee.
Assistant Sheriff Jamie Prosser said Ortega entered the LVAC location on North Rainbow Boulevard around 1:30 p.m. on Friday armed with a rifle.
He walked past multiple gym-goers and approached the front desk where Quinonez was working.
A second employee briefly interacted with Ortega before fleeing when the suspect raised his weapon and opened fire.
Quinonez was struck by gunfire, and Ortega continued to pursue him further into the facility, firing a total of 24 rounds before his rifle malfunctioned.
According to Prosser, the weapon malfunction likely prevented what could have been a mass casualty event.
“Fortunately, this gentleman had a malfunction in his weapon, which saved this from becoming a mass casualty event,” Prosser said.
Quinonez, a resident of Las Vegas, died at the scene.
Police emphasized that he had no known prior relationship or interaction with Ortega, and the motive for the shooting remains undetermined at this time.
Ortega was confronted by law enforcement shortly after the shooting began.
Three responding officers opened fire during the encounter.
Ortega died at the scene.
In accordance with department policy, those officers have been placed on paid administrative leave while the incident remains under investigation.
LVMPD also noted that Ortega was an active member of that specific LVAC location.
Authorities continue to investigate the shooter’s background and possible motives.
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.