By Clara Harter
Los Angeles Times
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — A person suspected of fatally shooting a San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy was deliberately knocked off of his motorcycle by another deputy while he was leading authorities on a high-speed pursuit on the 210 Freeway in Upland.
The deputy who was killed Monday was identified as Andrew Nunez, a six-year employee of the department. He leaves behind a 2-year-old daughter and a pregnant wife, according to Sheriff Shannon Dicus. The suspect, who has not been identified, is in stable condition at an area hospital.
“We’re embedded in sorrow. Unfortunately for our department, this has happened way too often,” Dicus said at a Monday afternoon news conference. “We’re going to do our very best to do the most important thing at this point, and that’s to make sure that we bring the suspect to justice and take good care of that family.”
Nunez was shot while responding to call of an armed man threatening a woman in Rancho Cucamonga. The incident occurred in the 12300 block of Hollyhock Drive at 12:37 p.m., according to the Sheriff’s Department.
He was airlifted to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, where he was later pronounced dead.
San Bernardino County Dist. Atty. Jason Anderson said his office planned to file charges within the next two days. Charges under consideration include murder of a police officer and domestic violence. Anderson emphasized, however, that this is a fluid situation and much information still needs to be reviewed.
Around 1:20 p.m. Monday , authorities began pursuing the fleeing suspect as he barreled down the 210 Freeway.
Dicus said the suspect was traveling at speeds in excess of 150 mph and sometimes almost 200 mph. “You can imagine what that could have done to unsuspecting motorists on our freeway,” he said.
At one point, the suspect nearly collided with a pursuing California Highway Patrol motorcycle officer, according to helicopter footage captured by KTLA.
At 1:35 p.m., an off-duty sheriff’s deputy put himself on duty and conducted a legal intervention, hitting the suspect and causing the motorcycle to crash, Dicus said.
Helicopter footage shows the man colliding with a black sedan while traveling 70 miles per hour, soaring over the handlebars and landing on his back. The injured suspect was loaded onto a stretcher and transported from the crash site on the 210 to a hospital via helicopter.
The eastbound lanes of the 210 Freeway between Mountain Avenue and Campus Avenue are currently closed as a result of the accident, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Dicus said that the department was working to identify and interview the suspect and that he anticipated releasing his name to the public within the next 24 hours.
The Sheriff’s Department released a statement Monday evening honoring Nunez’s service and extending condolences to his family, friends and fellow deputies.
“Deputy Nunez served with unwavering commitment, courage, and deep compassion for the community he vowed to protect,” stated the department. “His bravery and sacrifice reflect a life dedicated to safeguarding others, even at the greatest cost. Such devotion will remain forever etched in our hearts.”
Nunez’s death was met with an outpouring of grief from elected officials and first responders.
“My prayers are with his wife, young daughter, and family,” said Assemblymember Tom Lackey (R- Palmdale ) in a statement. “His courage and dedication to protecting others will never be forgotten.”
A memorial procession for the slain deputy began around 6:30 p.m. as scores of law enforcement personnel gathered outside Arrowhead Regional Medical Center to salute Nunez’s body as it was carried outside of the building. A motorcade then escorted the body from the medical center to the San Bernardino County coroner’s office.
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
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