A Southern California sheriff’s deputy died after being shot by a suspect, who was later killed in a shootout with deputies on Monday.
Deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, assigned to the Morongo Basin Station, were assisting with highway patrol in the Yucca Valley east of Los Angeles when they pulled over a man on a motorcycle for not having a license plate. Deputies attempted to pull the driver over around 12:30 p.m., but he fled the scene on foot and opened fire on the officers, fatally injuring 43-year-old Sgt. Dominic Vaca.
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“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sergeant Dominic Vaca. Sergeant Vaca served 17 years with the Department and was a sergeant at the Morongo Basin Station. He will be greatly missed by many,” San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon announced on Facebook on Tuesday.
After the suspect fired upon the deputies, the officers returned fire, killing the suspect.
Vaca was flown to a hospital after he was wounded, and he was initially said to be in critical condition.
A handgun was recovered from the scene, according to McMahon.
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The suspect’s identity has yet to be released by authorities.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Washington Examiner.
