A San Bernardino County Sheriff's detective was airlifted to a hospital after being shot during an exchange of gunfire with a suspect in the Antelope Valley on Wednesday afternoon. The suspect was killed in the incident.
Authorities stated that San Bernardino County detectives were engaged in an investigation in Little Rock when they encountered an armed and dangerous suspect. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna described the individual as "willing to shoot it out with the police." The sheriff, speaking at a news conference Wednesday evening, referred to the wounded detective as a hero and characterized the suspect as "a very dangerous individual."
The detective sustained a gunshot wound around 3:10 p.m. in a remote area located in the 13000 block of East Avenue R2 at 130th Street. Sheriff Luna indicated that the department was still piecing together the details of the event, confirming it involved an exchange of gunfire between the suspect and the detective.
While initial reports suggested the detective was serving a search warrant when the shooting occurred, Sheriff Luna and San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus did not confirm this detail at the press conference. Sheriff Luna confirmed the injured detective was transported via the department's Air Rescue 5 helicopter to Antelope Valley Medical Center in Lancaster, where he is receiving treatment for internal injuries sustained just below the rib cage. The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Sheriff Dicus stated the detective, a 12-year veteran in his 30s, was undergoing surgery. He also noted that no other suspects are believed to be outstanding, although several individuals are being detained in connection with the case. Aerial footage of the scene revealed two SUVs with visible bullet holes and a deputy's ballistic vest. The suspect's body was covered near one of the SUVs.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Homicide Bureau is leading the investigation into the shooting, with the Los Angeles County medical examiner and a team from the L.A. County district attorney's office en route to the scene. Sheriff Luna anticipated detectives would be processing the scene throughout the night.
