Suspect ID'd, Additional Details Released In Deadly Shooting Of SoCal Deputy

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA — The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department has released additional details about the high-speed pursuit that took over a Southland freeway Monday afternoon, following the deadly shooting of a sheriff's deputy identified as Andrew Nuñez.

The chase happened along the eastbound 210 Freeway near Upland around 12:30 p.m. and only came to a halt after an off-duty narcotics deputy intervened, according to Sheriff Shannon Dicus.

"The pursuit came to a conclusion with an off-duty deputy sheriff who put himself on duty and conducted a legal intervention by hitting the suspect on the motorcycle, causing the motorcycle to go down," Dicus said during a media conference late Monday.

Meanwhile, the suspect in the chase and shooting was identified Tuesday as 47-year-old Angelo Jose Saldivar of San Bernardino, sheriff's Sgt. Bryan Sprague said. Saldivar, who remained hospitalized, will be charged with murder upon medical clearance, according to Sprague.

The pursuit reached speeds over 150 miles per hour on Monday. Video from the scene shows the moment the suspect was ejected from the bike. He was airlifted to a nearby hospital and was listed in stable condition, according to the SBCSD.

On Monday, Nuñez was among the deputies who initially responded to a call about a man threatening a woman with a gun at an apartment complex in Rancho Cucamonga. The location is just three miles from Nuñez's station, according to sheriff's officials.

"When deputies arrived, they were immediately fired upon and Nuñez was struck. He was airlifted to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased," according to the sheriff's department.

Nuñez leaves behind a pregnant wife and a 2-year-old daughter. He was a six-year veteran of the sheriff's department.

An outpouring of support for Nuñez's family continued Tuesday from state and local officials.

"Our hearts are heavy as we send our deepest condolences to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and the family of Deputy Nuñez," the Hemet Police Department said. "Deputy Nuñez paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to his community, and his bravery and dedication will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and all who serve alongside him."

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department shared its support over social media, saying, "Our hearts are with our brothers & sisters of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department as they mourn the loss of Deputy Andrew Nuñez. We hold you close in our thoughts and prayers."

The Costa Mesa Police Department also shared its support over social media, as did many others.

Assemblymember Tom Lackey, (R-Palmdale), released a statement saying "My prayers are with his wife, young daughter and family. His courage and dedication to protecting others will never be forgotten.”

For those wishing to donate, a fundraiser for Nunez's family has been set up by the Peace Officers Research Association of California and can be found here.

The Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail is in charge of the investigation related to this case. Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 909-890-4904. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.com.

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