San Bernardino Deputy Killed in Rancho Cucamonga Shooting; Suspect Captured After 200 MPH Chase

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CALIFORNIA – A San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy was killed and a suspect taken into custody following a violent domestic call that escalated into a 200 mph freeway chase across Southern California on Monday afternoon, authorities confirmed.

Deputy Andrew Nuñez, 28, a six-year veteran of the department, was shot in the head while responding to a domestic violence report in the 12300 block of Hollyhock Drive around 12:37 p.m. Officials say deputies were called after reports of an armed man threatening a woman in a residential neighborhood north of Victoria Gardens.

Deputy Shot During Domestic Call

Upon arrival, deputies encountered the suspect, who immediately opened fire. Nuñez was struck by a single bullet to the head and rushed to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 1:13 p.m.
Authorities described Nuñez as a dedicated officer, husband, and father, remembered by colleagues as “a wonderful deputy sheriff and wonderful father.” He leaves behind his pregnant wife, a 2-year-old daughter, his mother, and four siblings.

Suspect Flees on Stolen Motorcycle

After the shooting, the suspect stole a motorcycle and fled the scene, prompting a massive law enforcement response. At approximately 1:20 p.m., the suspect entered the eastbound 210 Freeway, reaching speeds estimated between 150 and 200 mph, weaving through traffic, crossing into opposite lanes, and nearly colliding with a California Highway Patrol motorcycle officer.
Witnesses described the chase as one of the fastest and most dangerous pursuits seen in recent years.

Chase Ends in Violent Crash and Arrest

The pursuit came to a dramatic end around 1:35 p.m. near Campus Avenue in Upland, when the suspect, while reaching into a backpack, crashed into another vehicle. An off-duty San Bernardino County narcotics officer who had joined the chase executed a “legal intervention” maneuver, striking the suspect’s motorcycle to stop him.
The suspect was thrown from the bike, subdued by responding officers, and taken into custody. He was later transported to a local hospital in stable condition with unspecified injuries.

Gun Recovered, Investigation Ongoing

Authorities recovered a firearm from the crash scene and believe it to be the same weapon used in the deputy’s killing. The suspect’s identity has not yet been publicly released pending interviews, but officials say it will be disclosed within 24 hours.
Sheriff Shannon Dicus confirmed the sequence of events during a late-afternoon press conference, commending the bravery of the deputies and officers who pursued the suspect across multiple counties. “Deputy Nuñez was the best of us,” Dicus said. “His courage and commitment to protecting others will never be forgotten.”

Community Mourning and Tribute

Law enforcement agencies across California have begun posting tributes in memory of Deputy Nuñez. Blue ribbons and flags at half-staff were seen outside sheriff’s stations Monday evening as officers and residents gathered to honor his service.
“We lost a hero today,” one fellow deputy said. “He gave his life protecting a family in danger.”

The suspect remains under guard at the hospital while homicide detectives process evidence from both the shooting scene and the freeway crash site.

Readers wishing to share condolences or messages of support for law enforcement can comment on this story at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com, where updates on the case will continue as new details emerge.