New body camera footage released by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department reveals a harrowing exchange of gunfire at a Victorville gas station that left a longtime sergeant wounded and a 27-year-old suspect dead.
The incident unfolded just after 1:40 p.m. on December 1, 2023, outside the ARCO AMPM convenience store/gas station in the 13600 block of Bear Valley Road, near Amethyst Road.
According to sheriff’s officials, a woman locked herself inside the store’s restroom and urged employees to call 911 after her boyfriend, identified as Jorge Cardenas, threatened her with a firearm.
In the released dispatcher audio, a store clerk can be heard reporting, “She is still in the restroom. She does not want to go out,” while describing Cardenas waiting outside in a silver Nissan Altima.
Roughly six minutes later, a lone sergeant arrived and positioned his patrol vehicle behind Cardenas’ car, which was parked near the front entrance of the business.
“The sergeant approached Cardenas and attempted to detain him. Cardenas entered the store, drew a handgun from his waistband, and shot at the sergeant. Cardenas and the sergeant exchanged gunfire,” stated sheriff’s officials in a written statement.
During the exchange, the suspect’s gunfire struck the sergeant’s legs and a taser that was holstered on his duty belt. The sergeant fell to the ground outside of the store as Cardenas continued to shoot.
“Cardenas walked out of the convenience store and advanced toward the sergeant with his firearm, still in hand,” stated sheriff’s officials. “The sergeant returned fire and struck Cardenas several times, which caused him to fall to the ground.”
Injured and alone, the sergeant maintained composure, radioed for backup, and reloaded his weapon while positioned on the ground.
In the midst of the gun battle, the sergeant accidentally ejected his freshly loaded magazine but still managed to neutralize the threat.
Cardenas was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The injured sergeant was transported by helicopter to Loma Linda University Medical Center for treatment. Sheriff Shannon Dicus later confirmed the sergeant’s injuries were non-life-threatening.
Officials credited the sergeant’s training, quick thinking, and determination with saving his life.
“When San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department personnel are involved in a critical incident, multiple investigations are immediately initiated,” stated Dicus.
Following the shooting, the incident underwent multiple layers of review. The District Attorney’s Office evaluated the case to determine whether the actions of the involved sheriff’s department personnel were within the law.
At the same time, the Specialized Investigations Division conducted a criminal investigation into the suspect’s actions related to the critical incident.
Additionally, the department completed an internal review to assess whether the deputy’s response was consistent with department policy and to identify any potential needs for additional training, policy changes, or equipment improvements for future incidents.
