RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (FN) — A San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy was shot and killed Monday while responding to a domestic violence call, prompting a high-speed pursuit that ended in a crash and the suspect’s hospitalization, authorities said.
Deputy Andrew Nunez, a six-year veteran of the department, was struck in the head by gunfire shortly after arriving at the scene on Hollyhock Drive around 12:42 p.m. He was airlifted to a hospital, where he later died.
Sheriff Shannon Dicus identified Nunez during a press conference, calling him “a man of integrity and courage.” He added, “Andrew was a protector — not just in uniform, but at home. His loss is immeasurable.” Nunez is survived by his pregnant wife, their 2-year-old daughter, his mother, and four siblings.
The suspect opened fire almost immediately upon deputies’ arrival, then fled on a motorcycle, reaching speeds of up to 200 mph. He was eventually ejected from the bike after colliding with a vehicle on the 210 Freeway in Ontario.
Dicus later revealed the vehicle was driven by an off-duty deputy who had placed himself on duty and “conducted a legal intervention” to stop the suspect. The suspect, whose identity has not been released, remains hospitalized in stable condition.
District Attorney Jason Anderson said his office is treating the case as the murder of a peace officer and will file charges once the suspect is medically cleared. “This was a deliberate act of violence against someone who swore to protect others,” Anderson said.
California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statement expressing condolences to the Nunez family and praising the deputy’s service. “Deputy Nunez gave his life in defense of others. His courage and commitment to public safety will never be forgotten,” Newsom said.
Local residents and fellow officers gathered Monday evening for a candlelight vigil outside the sheriff’s department. “He was the kind of deputy every department hopes for,” said one colleague. “He never hesitated to step forward.”
The sheriff’s department said it will provide ongoing support to Nunez’s family and is planning a public memorial service. “His sacrifice will not be forgotten,” Dicus said. “We will carry his legacy forward.”
All eastbound lanes of the 210 Freeway were temporarily closed following the crash, causing major traffic disruptions. Authorities are continuing to investigate the domestic violence incident that prompted the initial call.
