SoCal deputy dies after being shot by gunman who led police on high-speed motorcycle chase
UPLAND, Calif. -- A wild motorcycle chase ended in a violent crash on a Southern California freeway on Monday afternoon after the suspect tried to flee at extraordinary speeds following a sheriff's deputy's shooting death.
It all started when San Bernardino County Sheriff's deputies reportedly responded to the area for a domestic violence call about an armed man threatening a woman in Rancho Cucamonga.
The deputies were fired upon as soon as they arrived at the scene, the sheriff's department said. Deputy Andrew Nunez suffered a single gunshot wound to the head.
Nunez was rushed to the hospital and ultimately pronounced dead, the sheriff's department confirmed.
The suspect then hopped on a motorcycle and a high-speed police chase ensued on the 210 Freeway.
AIR7 video from our sister station, ABC7 Eyewitness News in Los Angeles, showed traffic backed up for miles as the traffic was at a standstill during peak rush hour traffic at 3 p.m. local time.
The suspect appeared to pull out a gun and waved it as he was driving down the freeway at high speeds of 150 mph.
The chase ended in Upland after an off-duty sheriff's deputy conducted a "legal intervention" and hit the suspect's motorcycle.
Investigators were seen inspecting what appeared to be a gun on the 210 Freeway after the dramatic collision.
During an afternoon press conference, Sheriff Shannon Dicus said the suspect was launched into the air and landed on the road after the off-duty deputy hit the motorcycle.
Officers quickly ran out of their patrol cars and rushed to handcuff him.
The suspect was sitting up and conscious as authorities rendered aid. He was airlifted to an area hospital in stable condition.
Authorities are working to forensically positively identify the suspect and are waiting to interview him.
The suspect's name was not immediately released.
Video from the hospital Nunez was taken to shows law enforcement officers gathered outside the emergency room. An Eyewitness News crew at the scene also spotted what appeared to be family members arriving at the hospital.
Sheriff Shannon Dicus said Nunez leaves behind a wife, a 2-year-old daughter, a mother and four brothers and sisters. His wife was also expecting, the sheriff said.
Dicus said Nunez had been with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department for six years and served the Rancho Cucamonga community for five years. He described Nunez as a "wonderful father" and "wonderful deputy sheriff."
California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statement on the death of Deputy Nunez.
"On behalf of all Californians, Jennifer and I extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Deputy Nunez. His courage, compassion and dedication to protecting others reflect the finest traditions of law enforcement. We honor his life and service with gratitude; may his sacrifice never be forgotten."
Newsom's office said flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will be flown at half-staff.
