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A San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputy was killed Monday morning during a high-speed pursuit of a suspected car thief. Deputy Hector Cuevas, Jr. died at the scene after his patrol car collided with a civilian vehicle and then struck a light pole, splitting the patrol car in two. The driver of the other vehicle sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
The chase began around 11 a.m. when deputies attempted to stop a vehicle believed to be stolen. The driver, identified as 22-year-old Ryan Dwayne Turner, Jr. of San Bernardino, fled the scene, leading deputies on a pursuit. The fatal collision occurred near the intersection of El Evado and Seneca Roads.
Turner continued to flee after the crash but was apprehended a short time later after abandoning his vehicle and attempting to escape on foot. He was booked on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and evading a peace officer causing death or serious injury.
Sheriff Shannon Dicus, visibly shaken, spoke at a press conference following the incident, calling Deputy Cuevas “the type of law enforcement officer that we all want to be.” He praised Cuevas as a dedicated officer and offered condolences to his family and colleagues. Cuevas was a six-year veteran of the force and had served at the Victorville station for the past three years.
An investigation into the circumstances of the crash is currently underway. The San Bernardino Police Officers Association issued a statement expressing their condolences and recognizing Deputy Cuevass’ ultimate sacrifice. A solemn procession escorted the deputy’s body to the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office.