Off-Duty Deputy Justified in Forceful Stop of Suspected Cop Killer, Experts Say
A San Bernardino County narcotics deputy’s decisive intervention to end a high-speed chase—deliberately colliding with a suspect fleeing after allegedly murdering a sheriff’s deputy—was likely justified, according to legal and policing experts. The dramatic pursuit unfolded Monday afternoon, captivating viewers watching live on television as 47-year-old Angelo Jose Saldivar attempted to evade authorities on the 210 Freeway.
The incident began with a domestic violence call at approximately 12:37 p.m. at a condominium in Rancho Cucamonga. Upon arrival, deputies encountered Saldivar, who immediately opened fire, fatally striking San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Andrew Nunez, 28, a six-year veteran of the department. Saldivar then fled the scene on a motorcycle, initiating a pursuit that reached speeds of nearly 150 miles per hour.
Saldivar initially evaded a motorcycle officer attempting to stop him, even appearing to manipulate a handgun while in motion. His escape came to an abrupt end when he collided with a gray Toyota Camry near Campus Avenue in Upland, being launched at least 10 feet into the air. It was then revealed that the driver of the Camry was an off-duty San Bernardino County narcotics deputy who had rejoined the pursuit and intentionally intervened.
The deputy, whose identity has not been released, is expected to face no repercussions for his actions. “In this case, they could have shot or used whatever means necessary to prevent further injury or loss of life without harming others,” stated a use-of-force expert and former Los Angeles Police Department captain. Several experts pointed to a 2007 Supreme Court case affirming a deputy’s right to use forceful measures to terminate a high-speed chase when public safety is at risk.
“Deadly force is appropriate when the subject presents an imminent threat of death or great bodily harm to officers or others,” explained Seth Stoughton, a University of South Carolina law professor and former Florida police officer, “and the fact that his subject had already shot an officer and was fleeing in a way that endangered other motorists is likely to meet that standard.” Ed Obayashi, a Modoc County sheriff’s deputy and legal advisor to police agencies, echoed this sentiment, noting that while an off-duty deputy’s intervention is “highly unusual,” it likely falls within established legal precedent.
Saldivar was airlifted to a hospital and is currently in stable condition. He is expected to be charged in the coming days with the murder of Deputy Nunez, who is survived by a 2-year-old daughter and a pregnant wife.
The circumstances surrounding the initial domestic violence call remain largely undisclosed. Court records indicate that Saldivar and his wife finalized a divorce in August. Sheriff Shannon Dicus expressed the department’s profound sorrow, stating, “We’re embedded in sorrow. Unfortunately for our department, this has happened way too often.”
On Monday night, a procession of law enforcement officers and firefighters gathered at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center to honor Deputy Nunez as his body was transported to the San Bernardino County coroner’s office. A use-of-force investigation is pending, though Obayashi predicted the deputy’s actions would be deemed within department policy, stating, “He just shot a cop, and it is reasonable to assume he will shoot others, including pursuing officers. No one is going to lose sleep over what happened here at the conclusion of this chase, given what had unfolded before.”
