Authorities released the identity of a San Bernardino man accused of shooting and killing a sheriff’s deputy as flags were lowered to half-staff across the state in honor of the fallen law enforcement officer on Tuesday, Oct. 28.
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Andrew Nunez was fatally shot upon arriving at a report of domestic violence in Rancho Cucamonga on the afternoon of Monday, Oct. 27, according to the department.
His alleged killer was taken into custody about an hour later after leading authorities on a high-speed motorcycle pursuit that ended in a crash on the 210 Freeway in Upland, where an off-duty deputy used an unmarked vehicle to ram the fleeing suspect, sheriff’s officials said.
The suspect was identified as 47-year-old Angelo Jose Saldivar of San Bernardino, according to sheriff’s department spokeswoman Jenny Smith.
Saldivar was expected to be booked on suspicion of murder once released from a hospital, where he was being treated for injuries suffered in the crash.
State flags lowered to half-staff in honor of Deputy Andrew Nunez
News of Nunez’s death in the line of duty reverberated throughout the state.
Fellow law enforcement officers and firefighters escorted the body to the coroner’s office in a somber procession as messages of condolences poured in from law enforcement agencies near and far.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered flags at the State Capitol to be flown at half-staff in honor of Nunez.
“On behalf of all Californians, Jennifer and I extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Deputy Nunez,” he said in a written 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.”
A ‘legacy of honor’
Deputy Nunez, 28, served six years with the sheriff’s department and was assigned to the Rancho Cucamonga Station, officials said.
He is survived by his wife, their 2-year-old daughter, his mother and four siblings, according to Sheriff Shannon Dicus. Nunez and his wife were also expecting their second child.
The sheriff’s department issued a statement paying tribute to the deputy.
“Deputy Nunez served with unwavering commitment, courage, and deep compassion for the community he vowed to protect,” it said. “His bravery and sacrifice reflect a life dedicated to safeguarding others, even at the greatest cost. Such devotion will remain forever etched in our hearts.”
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and fellow deputies as they face this unimaginable loss. May they be surrounded by comfort, lifted by the love of their community, and strengthened by the legacy of honor he leaves behind,” the statement continued. “Rest in eternal peace, Deputy Nunez. Your watch has concluded, yet your spirit, service, and sacrifice will live on in every life you touched.”
Deputy Nunez, 28, was a six-year veteran with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
He is survived by his wife, their two-year-old daughter, their unborn child, his mother and four siblings.
A fund to aid Nunez’s family has been established online at porac.org/fundraiser/seba_deputynunez.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: San Bernardino man identified as suspect in deputy’s killing, flags lowered to half-staff
Reporting by Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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