Sheriff's deputies opened fire on a suspect Thursday afternoon on a residential street in Chino Hills after authorities discovered something disturbing in the trunk of a vehicle during an ongoing investigation, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.
The incident occurred around 2 p.m. in the 1400 block of Monte Vista Avenue, a quiet neighborhood lined with single-family homes near Chino Hills State Park.
Deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Division were investigating a potential homicide when they located and approached a suspect vehicle, officials said during a press briefing at the scene.
As investigators examined the trunk of the parked car, they allegedly discovered evidence that prompted immediate action against the occupant inside or near the vehicle, authorities said. The nature of what was found in the trunk has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
Background
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Homicide Division had been actively investigating a potential homicide case leading up to Thursday's confrontation. Detectives tracked a suspect vehicle to the Chino Hills neighborhood and set up surveillance before moving in, according to sources familiar with the investigation who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the ongoing probe.
Neighbors reported hearing what sounded like multiple gunshots around 2:15 p.m. "I heard three or four pops and then complete silence," said Maria Elena Torres, who lives two houses down from where the shooting occurred. "Then within minutes there were sirens everywhere."
The Investigation
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department confirmed one suspect was struck by gunfire during the encounter. That individual was transported to a local trauma center with injuries that authorities described as non-life-threatening.
No deputies were injured during the incident, according to Sheriff Shannon Dicus, who arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting. "Our detectives were conducting an active homicide investigation and encountered the suspect during that probe," Dicus said. "A confrontation occurred and our deputies discharged their weapons."
The sheriff declined to identify the suspect or discuss potential charges, saying the case remained under active investigation and more information would be released once formal charges are filed.
Key Takeaways
- San Bernardino County Sheriff's deputies opened fire on a suspect in Chino Hills around 2 p.m. Thursday
- The shooting occurred during an active homicide investigation conducted by the department's Homicide Division
- Deputies allegedly discovered something disturbing in the trunk of a vehicle before the confrontation unfolded
- One suspect was struck and transported to a trauma center with non-life-threatening injuries
- No deputies were injured, and authorities have not released details about what was found in the vehicle or the identity of the suspect
What's Next
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Homicide Division will continue its investigation into both Thursday's shooting and the underlying homicide case. The suspect remains hospitalized under guard.
Detectives are expected to present their findings to the District Attorney's Office for formal charging consideration once the suspect is medically cleared for booking.
A press conference with additional details has been scheduled for Friday morning at the sheriff's department headquarters in San Bernardino.