San Bernardino County sheriff's sergeant shot multiple times in Victorville; suspect dead
The suspect immediately started shooting at the sergeant when he arrived on the scene, authorities said.
VICTORVILLE, Calif. (KABC) -- A San Bernardino County sheriff's sergeant is recovering Friday night after he was shot multiple times by a suspect in Victorville.
The shooting happened just before 2 p.m. at an Arco gas station in the 13600 block of Bear Valley Road.
According to Sheriff Shannon Dicus, a woman told the clerk there was a man with a gun threatening her and locked herself in the bathroom.
Dicus said the sergeant, a 16-year veteran of the department, was the first to arrive on the scene when the suspect immediately started shooting at him.
"As soon as the sergeant makes contact in front of the store, immediately, a fire fight ensues," said Dicus.
Dicus said the suspect, who wasn't immediately identified, was struck and died at the scene. One witness who was in the area when the shooting occurred said she heard at least 10 gunshots.
"I had just came from CVS to pick up my prescription, drove my truck, I live across the street, and just parked it, I got out and I heard a bunch of gunfire," said Barbara Candelaria.
The sergeant, who also wasn't identified, was rushed to the Loma Linda University Medical Center where he's currently being treated. Dicus said he was shot twice in his legs - once in his thigh and once in his shin - and is expected to survive. The suspect's gun has since been recovered.
"With the excellent medical care that the sergeant received ... I am pleased to announce that there are not going to be any life-threatening injuries, and it appears our sergeant is going to recover fully from this," said Dicus.
The woman who reported the suspect is still being interviewed, according to Dicus, and the relationship between the two remains unclear.
"The only thing they can confirm in reference to the female and the suspect was the suspect, during the call, there is mention that suspect was looking inside for the female," the sheriff said.
Investigators remained on the scene Friday night. Dicus said footage from the store's surveillance cameras along with the sergeant's body camera footage will be reviewed.
"In my 31-year career, I've never seen a number of officer-involved shootings that we've had in the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and the Riverside sheriff's department," said Dicus. "Right now, the average number of officer-involved shootings I'm seeing, from last November forward, is almost two a month."
The incident remains under investigation.
