Lethal Force Encounter Occurs After Sergeant Responds to a Report of a Man with a Gun in Victorville 

December 3, 2023 - San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department officials report that on Friday, December 1, 2023, Sheriff’s Dispatch received a report of a man with a gun at a gas station located at 13660 Bear Valley Road. The caller informed Dispatch that a woman reported the man, later identified as her boyfriend, Jorge Cardenas, had a gun and then locked herself inside the bathroom of the business.

A sheriff’s sergeant was the first to arrive and approached Cardenas just outside the business and attempted to detain him. Cardenas ran into the store, turned, and pointed a gun at the sergeant as he approached the entrance. A lethal force encounter occurred, and both the suspect and sergeant were hit by gunfire. The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene. The sergeant was transported to a nearby trauma center for treatment of gunshot wounds to his legs. The sergeant is in stable condition.

Detectives with the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division responded and are conducting the investigation.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Justin Applegate, Specialized Investigations Division at (909) 890-4904. Callers can remain anonymous and contact We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.

Case No. DR# 172313450 / H#2023-128

DATE/TIME: December 1, 2023, 1:43 p.m.

INCIDENT: Lethal Force Encounter

LOCATION: 13660 Bear Valley Road, Victorville

SUSPECT(S): Jorge Cardenas, 27-year-old Male, Resident of Ontario

VICTIM(S): San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Sergeant

Source: San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department