A San Bernardino County sheriff’s detective was shot and hospitalized in stable condition Wednesday afternoon after exchanging gunfire with a suspect during an investigation in Littlerock, near Palmdale. The suspect was killed in the incident, authorities confirmed.
The shooting occurred shortly after 3 p.m. in the 13000 block of East Avenue R and 130 Street, where the detective and the suspect engaged in a firefight. Both individuals were struck by gunfire, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. The detective, described as a veteran investigator in his 30s who has served since 2014, was airlifted to Antelope Valley Hospital in Lancaster for emergency treatment.
Investigation and Response
The nature of the underlying investigation remains unreleased by authorities. At least one suspect was killed, while a second suspect was reported as at large, though this claim was not independently verified by all sources. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna stated that his deputies responded to assist after the shooting was reported.
Aerial footage from the scene showed a white SUV with shattered windows and bullet damage, alongside an unmarked San Bernardino County Sheriff’s vehicle bearing signs of gunfire. A bulletproof vest was visible on the ground near the vehicles. Propane tanks and a long gun were observed inside the SUV, according to reports.
Medical and Tactical Details
The detective was struck just below his lower rib cage and underwent emergency surgery, officials said. San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus emphasized the critical role of the airlift in stabilizing the officer before arrival at the hospital. The suspect’s identity has not been publicly disclosed.
Authorities have not provided further updates on the investigation’s progress or the status of the second suspect. The incident remains under active investigation by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.