Sergeant wounded in shootout in Victorville, suspect identified as Jorge Cardenas

A shootout in Victorville, California, left a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Sergeant wounded and the suspect dead. The incident occurred on Friday, December 1, at approximately 1:43 pm when the sheriff’s dispatch center received a call about a man with a gun at the Arco/ampm on Bear Valley Road. The caller, who identified herself as the suspect’s girlfriend, reported that he had a gun and had locked herself in the bathroom of the business.

Upon arrival, the Sergeant approached the suspect just outside the store and attempted to detain him. However, the suspect, later identified as Jorge Cardenas, 27, from Ontario, ran into the store and turned, pointing a gun at the Sergeant as he approached the entrance. A lethal force encounter ensued, resulting in both the suspect and the Sergeant being hit by gunfire.

The Sergeant, identified as Andersen, a 16-year veteran of the department, was transported to Loma Linda University Medical Center for treatment of two gunshot wounds to his legs. He is currently in stable condition. Cardenas was shot and killed by the Sergeant just outside the store.

Sheriff Shannon Dicus expressed concern over the recent increase in officer-involved shootings in the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and the Riverside sheriff’s department. He stated that, on average, there have been almost two such incidents per month since November of last year.

The investigation into the fatal shooting was taken over by the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division. The Arco/ampm was closed as a result of the investigation.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the case to contact Detective Justin Applegate of the Specialized Investigations Division. Callers can remain anonymous and may also contact We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or through their website.

Updates on this case and more can be found on the VVNG.com newsgroup on Facebook, as well as their Instagram and Twitter pages.