A report of a man with a gun escalated into a shoot-out at a Victorville gas station, leading to the death of the alleged gunman and injuries to a San Bernardino Sheriff’s sergeant. The Sheriff’s Department reported the violent clash occurred on Friday, December 1, when a woman concealed herself in a bathroom and dialed for help, claiming her boyfriend, 27-year-old Jorge Cardenas, was armed. According to a press release by the SBSD - Headquarters, the woman's desperate call brought law enforcement rushing to 13660 Bear Valley Road at about 1:43 p.m.
Responding to the emergency, a sheriff’s sergeant was confronted by Cardenas, who initially tried to run into the store upon the officer's arrival. It wasn’t long before the fraught encounter took a turn for the worse, with Cardenas turning and pointing his weapon at the sergeant as he neared the entrance. The result was gunfire exchange, leaving both men wounded. The sergeant, sustaining injuries to his legs, remains hospitalized in stable condition, but the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation has been handed over to the expertise of Detective Justin Applegate of the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division. Officials have urged the public to come forward with any information regarding this case, ensuring anonymity for those who wish for discretion when contacting through We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or their website. For anyone courageous enough to shed light on the details of this day, they may reach out to the Specialized Investigations Division at (909) 890-4904.
