Hector Cuevas Jr., a 36-year-old San Bernardino sheriff's deputy was tragically killed in a violent car crash on Monday. March 17. The crash took place while he was chasing down an alleged car thief. Cuevas's patrol vehicle split in two after he hit a third vehicle and a light pole.
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According to a press release issued by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office, the incident took place at around 10:58 a.m. Deputies noticed a stolen vehicle in Victorville, near Mojave Drive and Amrgosa Road. While they attempted a traffic stop, the suspect, Ryan Turner, 22, decided to flee, prompting a pursuit.
During the pursuit, Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr. tragically crashed against a third vehicle in the intersection of El Evado and Seneca roads, as per acb7. Cuevas's vehicle would then slam against a light pole. As a result, the patrol vehicle was split in half. Unfortunately, given the violent nature of the crash, Deputy Cuevas died at the scene.
Ryan Turner would then stop his vehicle and flee on foot moments later. He was arrested and, as per abc7, he will be booked on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, evading a peace officer, and causing death or serious injury.
The third vehicle only had one occupant inside, a female driver. She was transported to a local h hospital having sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
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During a press conference, San Bernardino Sheriff Shannon Dicus spoke highly of deputy Cuevas, calling him a "devout family man" and a "cop's cop." He added that Cuevas had "the ability to go between dealing with the most hard core gang member to turning around and being able to talk to a child and making sure they felt safe and knew that they were protected."
"I really have no words to describe this tragedy. Hector is the type of law enforcement officer that we all want to be," Dicus continued. "He was a grand and great protector and a great father, and we will be suffering his loss and supporting his family for quite some time."
As per abc7, the San Bernardino Police Officers Association shared a statement addressing Deputy Cuevas's tragic death.
"We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of a San Bernardino County deputy," the statement reads. "Our thoughts and prayers are with their family, friends, and the entire agency during this difficult time. They made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community, and their bravery will never be forgotten."
According to the New York Post, Hector Cuevas Jr. is survived by his wife, two children, parents, and two siblings.
