An off-duty law enforcement officer jumped into action Monday by ramming into a fleeing motorcyclist after the biker was accused of fatally shooting a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputy, authorities said.
San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon D. Dicas said the off-duty narcotics officer struck the suspect following the deadly encounter Monday afternoon that killed Deputy Andrew Nunez.
The sheriff said Deputy Nunez, 28, was shot in the head moments after arriving at a Rancho Cucamonga home where a man threatened a woman at gunpoint. The deputy later died in a hospital.
The suspect, whom police have not identified, then hopped on a motorcycle and raced away from the scene.
The biker accelerated to well over 150 mph on Interstate 210 and weaved between cars as he eluded California Highway Patrol troopers and sheriff’s deputies in hot pursuit.
News crews documenting the chase from a helicopter showed the suspect zooming along the left shoulder when the off-duty officer veered into his path.
“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,” Sheriff Dicus said.
The collision launched the suspect from his motorcycle and caused him to tumble several feet along the highway pavement.
Police vehicles swarmed the downed suspect within seconds, as officers ran to handcuff the man linked to Deputy Nunez’s killing.
The suspect was eventually seen on a gurney with a neck brace. He was airlifted to a hospital with unknown injuries.
Authorities said the suspect is expected to face suspicion of murder charges once he’s out of the hospital’s care.
Sheriff Dicus said Deputy Nunez, a six-year veteran of the force, leaves behind his pregnant wife and a 2-year-old daughter.
“On behalf of all Californians, Jennifer and I extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Deputy Nunez,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “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.”
Mr. Newsom ordered flags at the state capitol in Sacramento to be flown at half-staff in remembrance of the slain deputy.
• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.