San Bernardino County Mourns Loss of Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr. in Tragic Pursuit
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and the Victorville community are reeling from the devastating loss of Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr., who was killed in a horrific traffic collision on Monday during a pursuit of a stolen vehicle. The on-duty tragedy has left a void in the department and the hearts of those who knew and loved the 36-year-old deputy, described as a dedicated officer, a loving family man, and a pillar of the community.
The incident unfolded on Monday morning, March 17, 2025, when deputies from the Victorville Station spotted a stolen vehicle near the intersection of Mojave Drive and Amargosa Road in Victorville. When deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the suspect, identified as Ryan Turner, allegedly refused to yield, prompting a pursuit.
During the chase, Deputy Cuevas was involved in a collision with another vehicle. The impact of the crash was catastrophic, reportedly splitting the deputy’s police cruiser in half. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, Deputy Cuevas succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The other driver involved in the collision, a female whose identity has not been released, was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Meanwhile, Turner, the suspect in the stolen vehicle, abandoned the car at the intersection of El Evado Road and Zuni Lane and fled on foot. Law enforcement officers quickly established a perimeter and apprehended Turner, who was taken into custody.
San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus expressed profound sorrow and grief over the loss of Deputy Cuevas. "I really have no words to describe this tragedy," Sheriff Dicus stated. "Hector is the type of law enforcement officer that we all want to be. He was a grand and great protector and a great father, and we will be suffering his loss and supporting his family for quite some time."
Sheriff Dicus painted a picture of Deputy Cuevas as an exceptional individual, both professionally and personally. He highlighted Cuevas’s ability to connect with people from all walks of life, from hardened criminals to vulnerable children. "Hector was described as a devout family man and by his law enforcement partners as a ‘cop’s cop’ who has the ability to go between dealing with the most hardcore gang members to turning around and being able to talk to a child and make sure they felt safe and knew that they were protected," Dicus said.
Deputy Cuevas was a six-year veteran of law enforcement, assigned to the Victorville station. His dedication to duty and his commitment to serving the community were evident in his work and interactions with colleagues and residents alike. He leaves behind a grieving family, including his wife, two children, his parents, a brother, and a sister. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and the entire community are rallying to provide support and comfort to the Cuevas family during this incredibly difficult time.
Images from the scene of the accident, captured by Fox11 Los Angeles, depicted the severity of the collision. The photographs showed the police cruiser heavily damaged and split in half, underscoring the force of the impact and the dangers that law enforcement officers face daily in the line of duty.
Following the arrest of Ryan Turner, authorities announced that he would be charged with Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated and Failure to Yield Causing Death or Serious Injury. The charges reflect the gravity of the incident and the alleged reckless actions that led to the tragic death of Deputy Cuevas.
Sheriff Dicus revealed that Turner had a prior history of evading police and had previously caused a law enforcement vehicle to collide with a civilian’s vehicle in the city of Rialto. This information has raised questions about Turner’s driving record and whether more could have been done to prevent this tragic incident. The investigation into the collision is ongoing, and authorities are examining all factors that may have contributed to the fatal crash.
The death of Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr. has sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community and the wider San Bernardino County. He is remembered as a hero, a dedicated public servant, and a loving family man. His loss serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve their communities.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is providing grief counseling and support services to Deputy Cuevas’s colleagues and friends. The department is also working closely with the Cuevas family to provide assistance and ensure that their needs are met during this difficult period.
A memorial fund has been established to support the Cuevas family. Donations can be made through the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department or through a designated online platform. The community is encouraged to contribute to help alleviate the financial burden on the family and to honor the memory of Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr.
The outpouring of grief and support for Deputy Cuevas and his family underscores the deep respect and appreciation that the community holds for law enforcement officers. His legacy of service and dedication will continue to inspire those who knew him and those who follow in his footsteps. Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr.’s name will be forever etched in the memory of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and the community he served so faithfully. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death is ongoing, and authorities are committed to ensuring that justice is served.
The tragic loss of Deputy Cuevas also reignites the ongoing debate about the dangers of police pursuits and the need for stricter policies and procedures to minimize risks to officers and the public. Law enforcement agencies across the country are constantly evaluating their pursuit policies to strike a balance between apprehending suspects and ensuring public safety.
The community of Victorville and San Bernardino County as a whole mourns the loss of a true hero, a man who dedicated his life to protecting and serving others. Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr. will be remembered for his courage, his compassion, and his unwavering commitment to his family and his community. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
