San Bernardino County Sheriff's deputy killed in crash during pursuit

VICTORVILLE, Calif. - A deputy with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department was killed during a pursuit in the Inland Empire on Monday, officials said. 

What we know:

Just before 11 a.m., deputies from the Victorville Station spotted a stolen car near Mojave Drive and Amargosa Road. They attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the suspect, identified as 22-year-old Ryan Dwayne Turner, Jr., sped off and a pursuit ensued. 

During the pursuit, Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr. was involved in a traffic collision with another car at the intersection of El Evado and Seneca streets in Victorville. The force of the crash caused his patrol vehicle to split in half. 

Cuevas died at the scene. 

A woman in another car, who was not involved in the pursuit, was taken to the hospital in unknown condition. 

The sheriff's department said Turner stopped the vehicle at El Evado Road and Zuni Lane and fled on foot. He was quickly arrested. 

Officials said Cuevas' patrol car was the second unit in the pursuit. 

Cuevas was a 6-year veteran of the department. He was assigned to the Victorville Station for the past three years. He leaves behind a wife, two children, his parents, sister, and brother. 

"Hector was described as a devout family man and by his law enforcement partners as a cop's cop who has the ability to go between dealing with the most hardcore gang members to turning around and being able to talk a child and make sure they felt safe and knew they were protected," said Sheriff Shannon Dicus during a press conference. 

Suspect arrested 

Turner faces numerous charges, including being under the influence, driving a stolen vehicle, and evading a police officer resulting in death.

Sheriff Dicus said the suspect had a previous arrest in Rialto also for evading police. That previous incident also involved a police cruiser colliding with a civilian vehicle.

Dicus is asking that he not be given bail. 

What we don't know:

It's unclear what led to the collision. The Sheriff’s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) is conducting the investigation to determine the cause of the accident.

Deputy honored 

Local perspective:

A procession for the fallen deputy was held hours after the deadly crash. The community and members of the department, along with other local fire and law enforcement agencies, paid their respects as Cuevas' body made its way to the coroner's office. 

"He was a grand and great protector and a great father. And we will be suffering his loss and supporting his family for quite some time," Dicus added.