Identified Motorcyclist Accused of Killing Deputy
A motorcyclist from Southern California has been named in connection with the shooting death of a sheriff’s deputy, which was followed by a high-speed chase that ended in a violent crash captured on video.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, 47-year-old Angelo Jose Saldívar is alleged to have shot and killed Deputy Andrew Nunez, 28, while the officer was responding to a domestic violence incident. Saldívar reportedly fled the scene, leading to a collision with another motorcycle.
Deputy Nunez succumbed to a gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced dead at the hospital. He is survived by his pregnant wife and their two-year-old daughter.
The shooting occurred when Nunez and a partner responded to reports of an armed man threatening a woman in Rancho Cucamonga. It’s believed that Saldívar pointed a firearm at Nunez and shot him before speeding away on his motorcycle at dangerously high speeds. The pursuit ended when officers in an unmarked vehicle executed a maneuver that resulted in a crash.
After the crash, Saldívar reportedly jumped off his bike and was quickly apprehended by police. He was airlifted to a hospital, where he is currently in stable condition.
Officials expect to file charges against Saldívar soon, particularly focusing on the murder of a peace officer, as confirmed by San Bernardino District Attorney Jason Anderson. Sheriff Shannon Dicus expressed condolences, noting that Nunez’s family, including his expecting wife and daughter, now face an unimaginable loss.
“We are in mourning,” Dicus stated during a press conference, highlighting Nunez’s six years of service in the department. “His dedication and sacrifice reflect a commitment to protecting others, even at the most profound cost,” the sheriff’s office added in a statement.
As investigations continue, authorities are looking into the incident more deeply. At this point, Saldívar, who reportedly has no prior criminal record, remains under observation at the hospital, while police await the opportunity to interview him.
