The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department deputy, who was killed in a crash Monday at an intersection in Victorville after a brief pursuit, was identified as Hector Cuevas, Jr.
Details about the crash in the high desert San Bernardino County community were not immediately available. The crash occurred during a chase, according to law enforcement sources.
Video showed a patrol SUV split in two and debris scattered near the intersection of Seneca and El Evado roads. Nearby streets were closed for the investigation.
San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus expressed his condolences to Cuevas’ family in a press conference Monday evening.
“He was a grand, a great protector and a great father, and we will be suffering his loss and supporting his family for quite some time,” Dicus said.
Dicus also announced the arrest of Ryan Dwayne Turner Jr., 22, of San Bernardino, in connection with the crash. Turner, who has previously been arrested for another car chase, is accused of being the driver in Monday’s pursuit.
Turner faces charges that include -vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and evading a peace officer and causing death or serious injury. Dicus said bail would not be available for him.
A black sedan in the intersection appeared to have front-end damage with airbags deployed inside the car.
A procession of law enforcement officers escorted the body to the coroner’s office in San Bernardino. The procession passed through the parking lot of the Victorville Police Station, which is about 1 mile east of the crash location.
Firefighters on top of two fire engines parked on a freeway overpass saluted as the procession passed.
Victorville contracts with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for police services.
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