California deputy killed in crash that split police cruiser in two during pursuit

The sun had just begun its ascent over Victorville on that fateful Monday morning, March 17, 2025, casting a golden glow over the quiet streets. But in an instant, tranquility turned to tragedy as a high-speed chase unfolded, claiming the life of a beloved law enforcement officer. Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr., a 36-year-old San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputy, lost his life in a horrific car accident while in pursuit of a stolen vehicle. His cruiser, a symbol of safety and protection, was torn in two, leaving the community in shock and grief.

The pursuit had begun just before 11 a.m. when deputies from the Victorville Station spotted a stolen vehicle near Mojave Drive and Amargosa Road. Deputy Cuevas, with his six years of dedicated service, sprang into action, embodying the courage and commitment that defined his career. The suspect, later identified as Ryan Turner, evaded the deputies, leading them on a perilous chase. Tragically, during the pursuit, Deputy Cuevas’s cruiser collided with another vehicle, resulting in a fatal crash. The cruiser, once a steadfast protector, was left in pieces, and Deputy Cuevas succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The female driver of the other vehicle survived with non-life-threatening injuries, a solace amidst the loss.

Ryan Turner, the suspect behind the wheel of the stolen vehicle, fled the scene on foot after abandoning his car at El Evado Road and Zuni Lane. His attempt to evade justice was short-lived, as he was soon apprehended by the authorities. The charges against him—Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated and Failure to Yield Causing Death or Serious Injury—underscore the gravity of his actions. Turner’s history revealed a pattern of reckless behavior, including previous arrests for evading police and causing a collision involving a law enforcement cruiser. His actions on that day not only took a life but also shattered the lives of many.

Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr. was more than a law enforcement officer; he was a pillar of the community, a devoted family man, and a beacon of hope for those he protected. Sheriff Shannon Dicus painted a vivid picture of Hector as a “cop’s cop,” a man of remarkable versatility who could navigate the harsh realities of dealing with gang members while also offering comfort to a child, ensuring they felt safe. His ability to connect with everyone, from the most hardened criminals to innocent children, was a testament to his compassionate spirit. Hector’s family—his wife, two children, parents, brother, and sister—now face the daunting task of moving forward without their beloved husband, father, and son, a void that no words can fill.

The outpouring of support from the community and the law enforcement fraternity was immense, a reflection of the deep respect and admiration for Deputy Cuevas. His colleagues remembered him as a man of integrity, whose dedication to justice and compassion inspired those around him. The Victorville station, where Hector served with such distinction, mourned the loss of a brother, while the wider community lost a guardian who had touched countless lives. The tragedy served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers, who put their lives on the line daily to protect others.

In the aftermath of this tragedy, as the community begins to heal, Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr.’s legacy lives on. His story is one of courage, love, and dedication—a reminder of the enduring spirit of those who serve and protect. While the pain of his loss will linger, it is tempered by the knowledge that his impact on the world was profound and far-reaching. Hector may be gone, but his memory, through the lives he touched and the hope he instilled, will never fade.