Tragic Loss in Rancho Cucamonga: Deputy Andrew Nunez Killed in Line of Duty Near Victoria Gardens
Rancho Cucamonga, CA — October 27, 2025. A devastating tragedy struck the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department when Deputy Andrew Nunez was fatally shot while responding to a domestic violence call near Victoria Gardens, a major shopping and residential hub in Rancho Cucamonga.
Authorities say the confrontation escalated rapidly, resulting in a fatal gunshot wound to Nunez and triggering a high-speed motorcycle pursuit that ended with the suspect’s capture. The loss has sent shockwaves through the Inland Empire, with tributes pouring in from across California.
🕊️ Incident Overview: Deadly Shooting North of Victoria Gardens
What began as a routine response turned deadly in moments. Around 12:37 p.m. on October 27, deputies were dispatched to the 12300 block of Hollyhock Drive, a quiet residential neighborhood just minutes from Victoria Gardens.
According to officials, a Hispanic male suspect armed with a firearm was threatening a woman at the scene. When deputies arrived, the suspect opened fire without warning, striking Deputy Nunez in the head.
Despite immediate medical assistance and an emergency airlift to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, the 28-year-old deputy succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.
This tragic sequence highlights the unpredictable and often dangerous nature of domestic disturbance calls, which account for a significant percentage of officer fatalities nationwide.
🚨 The Pursuit and Arrest of the Suspect
After the shooting, the suspect fled the scene on a motorcycle, igniting a multi-jurisdictional pursuit along the 210 Freeway. The chase stretched through several Inland Empire cities before ending dramatically near Campus Avenue in Upland, where an off-duty narcotics officer conducted a “legal intervention,” intentionally colliding with the suspect’s vehicle.
The suspect survived the crash with non-life-threatening injuries and was later arrested on charges of murder and domestic violence. No civilians were harmed during the pursuit, though the freeway was temporarily shut down amid heightened tensions.
👮‍♂️ Who Was Deputy Andrew Nunez?
Deputy Andrew Nunez, 28, was a six-year veteran of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, known for his dedication, professionalism, and compassion. Assigned to Rancho Cucamonga patrol, Nunez had earned respect from colleagues and residents alike for his calm demeanor and commitment to protecting families in crisis.
He leaves behind a pregnant wife, a two-year-old daughter, his mother, and four siblings. Sheriff Shannon Dicus described him as “a wonderful father, husband, and deputy who embodied the best of this department.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom ordered flags at half-staff statewide in Nunez’s honor, calling his death “a sobering reminder of the sacrifices our law enforcement officers make every day.”
🕯️ Community Mourning and Memorial Efforts
The Rancho Cucamonga community, known for its family-friendly neighborhoods and the bustling Victoria Gardens shopping center, has united in grief. Vigils are being planned, and support funds for the Nunez family have been established by local law enforcement associations.
A solemn procession of over 100 patrol vehicles escorted the deputy’s body from Arrowhead Regional Medical Center to the county coroner’s office, as residents lined the streets in silent tribute.
Social media has since been filled with messages of condolence, with residents describing Nunez as “a hero who gave everything to keep others safe.”
đź“Š Timeline of Events: The Rancho Cucamonga Shooting
| Time (Approx.) | Event Description | Location | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12:37 p.m. | Deputies dispatched to domestic violence report involving an armed man. | 12300 block of Hollyhock Dr., Rancho Cucamonga | Initial call reports suspect threatening a woman. |
| 12:42 p.m. | Suspect opens fire, striking Deputy Nunez in the head. | Same location | Nunez was a six-year department veteran. |
| 12:45 p.m. | Suspect flees on motorcycle; pursuit begins. | Along 210 Freeway | Multi-agency chase with CHP and Sheriff units. |
| 1:13 p.m. | Nunez pronounced dead at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. | Colton, CA | Despite rapid intervention, injuries proved fatal. |
| 1:35 p.m. | Pursuit ends in crash; suspect apprehended. | Campus Ave., Upland | Off-duty officer used “legal intervention.” |
| Evening | Law enforcement procession honors Deputy Nunez. | To County Coroner’s Office | Public mourning and official tributes begin. |
🔍 Context: Violence in the Inland Empire
While Rancho Cucamonga is typically a low-crime suburban city of about 175,000 residents, recent years have seen sporadic violent incidents linked to domestic disputes and armed robberies.
Past reports near Victoria Gardens—including a 2022 armed robbery and a 2025 barricade situation on Sycamore Street—underscore the growing concern over domestic-related gun violence in Southern California’s suburbs.
FBI data show that domestic disturbance calls remain among the most dangerous for officers, accounting for roughly 15% of all law enforcement deaths in the U.S.
đź’¬ Reactions from Officials and Residents
Sheriff Dicus expressed profound sorrow:
“Deputy Nunez gave his life protecting others. His bravery and compassion will never be forgotten.”
Residents of Rancho Cucamonga voiced similar sentiments, describing a renewed sense of vulnerability but also unity. One neighbor wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “He was more than an officer—he was our neighbor, our protector.”
Governor Newsom added that Nunez’s sacrifice “honors the highest ideals of public service.”
🏛️ Legacy and Next Steps
As investigations continue, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Homicide Detail and FBI are examining the suspect’s background and motives. Memorial services for Deputy Nunez are being coordinated, and GoFundMe pages and official donation portals are supporting his grieving family.
In the broader picture, this tragedy renews discussions about officer safety, mental health support, and de-escalation training during volatile domestic violence responses.
⚖️ Conclusion: Remembering a Hero of Rancho Cucamonga
The death of Deputy Andrew Nunez near Victoria Gardens is more than a tragic headline—it’s a story of courage, sacrifice, and community resilience.
As Rancho Cucamonga mourns one of its protectors, residents and leaders alike are reminded that safety is fragile, and the men and women who uphold it do so at immense personal risk.
Deputy Nunez’s legacy will endure in the hearts of his family, colleagues, and the countless lives he touched in service to San Bernardino County.