Southern California(Thechieftainspear) – A tragic crash during a high-speed police pursuit claimed the life of San Bernardino County Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr. on Monday morning. Sheriff Shannon Dicus confirmed Cuevas’ identity during a press conference later in the afternoon, describing him as a dedicated officer and family man.
The pursuit began when 22-year-old Ryan Blaine Turner Jr., a San Bernardino resident, refused to stop for authorities while driving a stolen vehicle. Law enforcement engaged in the chase, which ultimately led to a devastating crash at the intersection of El Evado and Seneca roads just before 11 a.m.
Details of the collision remain under investigation, but officials reported that Deputy Cuevas’ patrol unit collided with another vehicle. The impact was so severe that it split his cruiser in half and brought down nearby power lines. A woman driving a black sedan was also involved in the crash and was transported to the hospital with unspecified injuries.
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Cuevas, a six-year veteran of the department who had served at the Victorville Station for the last three years, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Aerial footage captured the heartbreaking moment his body, draped in an American flag, was carefully prepared for transport. Law enforcement officers formed a solemn motorcade around the medical examiner’s vehicle, while community members gathered along the roadside to pay their respects.
Deputy Cuevas is survived by his wife, two young children, his parents, a sister, and a brother. Sheriff Dicus expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating, “Hector was everything we aspire to be as law enforcement officers—a fierce protector who could stand firm against gang members yet bring comfort to a frightened child.”
Authorities revealed that Turner has a prior history of evading law enforcement and injuring an officer in Rialto. Following his arrest, he was booked on multiple charges, including vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and evading police causing serious injury or death. Officials are seeking to have him held without bail as the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office reviews the case .
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