RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (KABC) — The suspect in the fatal shooting of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Andrew Nuñez was identified Tuesday while flags flew at half-staff statewide in honor of the fallen law enforcement officer.
The alleged gunman and high-speed chase suspect was identified as Angelo Jose Saldivar, 47, a resident of San Bernardino. The sheriff’s department said Saldivar “is not affiliated with any law enforcement agency” and remains hospitalized.
Formal charges are expected to be filed Tuesday in connection with Nuñez’s killing, which occurred while he was responding to a domestic violence call Monday afternoon.
Outside the sheriff’s Rancho Cucamonga station, a makeshift memorial was growing in honor of the slain deputy. Strangers came by to leave candles, flowers, notes, and some to bow their heads in prayer for Nuñez’s family.
Among the mourners were Nuñez’s neighbors, who learned of the tragedy from watching the news. They came to leave a Dodgers hat and towel for the man they say never judged them. The couple shared a photo of Nuñez at a Dodger game they bought tickets for him to see.
“I seen his picture and I could not believe it. Good man. You know? Good man,” neighbor Beni San Tiesteban said.
Eyewitness News also spoke to Paul and Diana Nadler at the memorial. They say Nuñez responded to their home after a scammer tried to victimize them. The single encounter with the young deputy left a lasting impression.
“He said that his family was so important to him, and he had season passes to the Dodgers. He was going to the World Series. He was going to the World Series at Dodger Stadium. This was one year ago. We got to know him as a real sweet guy,” Paul Nadler said.
“He made a big impression on us, and we’re just heartbroken,” Diana Nadler said.
Nuñez’s aunt, Maria, sent Eyewitness News the following statement:
“Andrew leaves behind his beautiful wife, their precious two-year-old daughter, and another baby girl on the way. He also leaves a heartbroken mother, three brothers, and a sister who loved him deeply.
I’ll miss the simple, everyday moments with him-like his random Tuesday calls asking what kind of coffee I wanted, just because he wanted to spend time together. His daughter’s face would light up the second she saw him walk into a room; the bond they shared was something truly special.
Andrew was one of the kindest, most selfless people you could ever meet. He had a gentle heart, a warm smile, and a way of making everyone around him feel loved and seen. He was so excited to become a father again, and it’s unbearable to know he won’t get the chance to hold his new baby girl.
Life feels so unfair right now. Andrew was dedicated to his work, his family, and his friends, and in one tragic moment, he was taken from us far too soon.
Our family is deeply touched by all the love and support we’ve received. Every message, prayer, and act of kindness reminds us just how many lives Andrew touched. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for keeping his memory alive and for standing beside us during this heartbreaking time.”
Through the Peace Officers Research Association of California, a donation page was set up by the sheriff’s department to help support Nuñez’s wife, Roxy, who is a stay-at-home mom.
The city of Rancho Cucamonga is hosting a candlelight vigil for the public on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
“We’re embedded in sorrow, unfortunately for our department, this has happened way too often when we talk about this young man, his wife, 2-year-old daughter, and the couple was expecting.”
Sheriff Shannon Dicus said Nuñez had been with the Sheriff’s Department for six years and served the Rancho Cucamonga community for five years. He described Nuñez as a “wonderful father” and “wonderful deputy sheriff.”
After the suspect fired at the sheriff’s deputy in Rancho Cucamonga, he hopped on a motorcycle, sparking a dramatic, high-speed chase that ended in a major crash on the 210 Freeway near Upland.
Dicus confirmed that an off-duty narcotics officer conducted a “legal intervention” by striking the suspect on the motorcycle, which sparked the crash that ended the chase. Moments before the crash, Saldivar pulled out what appeared to be a weapon.
A wild motorcycle chase ended in a violent crash on the 210 Freeway in Upland Monday afternoon. The suspect reportedly fled after shooting a sheriff’s deputy.
The shooting was reported at about 12:37 p.m. at a condominium complex in the 12300 block of Hollyhock Drive in Rancho Cucamonga, just north of Victoria Gardens. Deputies reportedly responded to the area for a domestic violence call about an armed man threatening a woman.
The deputies were fired upon as soon as they arrived at the scene, the sheriff’s department said. Nuñez sustained a single gunshot wound to the head, Dicus said. He was rushed to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton and was pronounced dead at 1:13 p.m.
Eyewitness News spoke to a resident at the Rancho Cucamonga condominium complex whose door was broken down by SWAT, trying to get a better view of the suspect’s position. Her concern was more for the life lost just steps away from her door.
“He is just trying to do his job and he died,” neighbor Lanie said. “Can you imagine you are doing your job and you lose your life?”
Saldivar was taken into custody and transported to the hospital in stable condition after the crash on the 210 Freeway.
The sheriff’s department said he will be booked for murder upon medical clearance.
A procession led the body of Deputy Andrew Nunez from the hospital to the coroner’s office on Monday evening. Hundreds of officers took part in the procession.
A long procession of law enforcement officers formed on Monday evening as Nuñez’s body was transported from the hospital to the coroner’s office. Over 100 law enforcement officers participated in the procession.
On Tuesday, members of the sheriff’s Victorville station were manning the Rancho Cucamonga station so that Nuñez’s colleagues could grieve and speak with counselors.
“On behalf of all Californians, Jennifer and I extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Deputy Nuñez,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said. “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.”
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