CHP officers chased a white Ford Expedition driven by a man suspected of shooting at people in a vehicle. The driver reportedly struck a spike strip set up by police, but he kept driving. He eventually stopped the Expedition, but refused to get out of the vehicle. Unspecified less-than-lethal methods reportedly were used to get the man to comply but were unsuccessful. After more than an hour, the man got out and went to the front of the vehicle and began shooting at the officers, who shot and killed him. Apparently, officers also shot and wounded three bystanders in a nearby home.
Agency: California Highway Patrol
Motive: shooting suspect/police chase
Confrontation Type: Violent Crime
Official Disposition: Pending investigation
Victim Name: Hector Javier Puga
Death Date: February 17, 2021
County: San Bernardino
Geography: Suburban
Gender: Male
Age: Unknown
Race: Hispanic
Cause of Death: Gunshot
Criminal Charges: No known charges
Mental Illness: No
Armed: Allegedly Armed
Weapon: gun
Threat Level: other
Fleeing: car