A 22-year-old man is facing serious charges after a high-speed chase led to the tragic death of a San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy. Ryan Dwayne Turner Jr. was arrested earlier this week and is charged with murder, evading a peace officer, and grand theft auto.
The incident unfolded during a nine-minute pursuit where Turner allegedly drove over 100 miles per hour and ran four red lights. He was suspected of driving a stolen vehicle at the time. The chase ended in a violent crash at the intersection of Seneca and El Evado roads, resulting in the death of Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr., who was pursuing Turner.
After the crash, Turner fled the scene. This wasn’t his first encounter with law enforcement; he had previously led police on a chase in Rialto last year, which resulted in a collision involving a police cruiser and a civilian. In that case, he pleaded no contest to grand theft auto and served eight months in jail.
San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson emphasized the severity of Turner’s actions, stating that they demonstrated a reckless disregard for human life. He highlighted that Turner was aware of the risks his driving posed, which contributed to the murder charges.
Details about the crash itself are still being investigated. Authorities are examining skid marks and other evidence to understand exactly what happened. One other driver, Marcellina Demyan, was also involved in the accident and is recovering from her injuries. Demyan reported that she didn’t hear any sirens or see any emergency lights from Cuevas as she made a left turn on a green arrow.
The impact of the crash was devastating. Cuevas’ vehicle was severely damaged, and he is remembered fondly by his colleagues and family. He is survived by his wife and two children. Sheriff Shannon Dicus praised Cuevas as a dedicated officer and a great father, expressing the community’s grief over his loss.
Turner is scheduled to be arraigned at the Victorville Courthouse. The case has raised significant concerns about the dangers of police pursuits and the risks they pose not only to law enforcement but also to innocent bystanders.