A six-year veteran of law enforcement died in a tragic crash during a pursuit in San Bernardino, California Monday morning.
Authorities said the deadly chase started just before 11 a.m. when a deputy from the Victorville City Station spotted a possible stolen vehicle.
“Deputies attempted a traffic stop but the suspect, Ryan Turner, failed to yield and a pursuit ensued,” the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Office said.
“During the pursuit, Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr. was involved in a traffic collision with another vehicle.”
Cuevas crashed into a bystander’s car and slammed into a pole, which caused his patrol car to split in half.
“Cuevas succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The female driver of the other vehicle was transported to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.”
The suspect, 22-year-old Ryan Dwayne Turner Jr., was ultimately arrested after a foot chase.
“I really have no words to describe this tragedy. Hector is the type of law enforcement officer that we all want to be,” said Sheriff Shannon Dicus.
“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.”
