December 30, 2022 – SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom yesterday issued the following statement regarding the death of Riverside County Sheriff’s Motor Deputy Isaiah Albert Cordero:
“Jennifer and I extend our deepest sympathies to Deputy Isaiah Cordero’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. He served his community selflessly, and with dedication and courage. We owe him our respect, gratitude, and will remember his sacrifice.”
On December 29, Deputy Cordero, 32, of Rancho Cucamonga, made a traffic stop on a vehicle in Jurupa Valley in Riverside County, when the driver opened fire. Deputy Cordero was transported to the Riverside Community Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Deputy Cordero joined the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in 2014 and was assigned to the Jurupa Valley Station.
Deputy Cordero is survived by his mother, Rebecca, and father, Gilbert.
In honor of Deputy Cordero, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department released the following statement on the death of Deputy Isaiah Cordero, (see video above.)
“With heavy hearts, we announce the devastating death of Deputy Isaiah Cordero, who was killed in the line of duty this afternoon. Our Department would like to thank the community and our allied agencies for the outpouring show of support during this tragedy. Our hearts and prayers are with his loved ones.”
During the news conference Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco gave the following information. Just before 2:00 P.M. on the afternoon of Thursday, December 29, 2022, Deputy Cordero made a traffic stop near the 3900 block of Golden West Ave. in Jurupa Valley. As he approached the vehicle, the suspect produced a gun and shot him. A community member witnessed the shooting and called 911. Residents rendered aid to the deputy until law enforcement and paramedics arrived.
Law enforcement agencies from San Bernadino County and Riverside County began a massive man hunt for the suspect. Suspect was located in San Bernadino County and a vehicle pursuit was initiated. A spike strip was used to stop the suspect, but he continued to drive until his vehicle was disabled and he was involved in a single car accident. Once stopped the suspect fired at deputies, at that point deputies returned fire and the suspect was killed. The suspect has been identified as William Shae McKay, (44). His last known address was in the county of San Bernadino. McKay had an extensive criminal history dating back to before the year 2000, consisting of kidnapping, robbery, multiple assaults with deadly weapons, including the stabbing of a California Highway Patrol canine.
McKay had an extensive violent past and was convicted of his third strike in November of 2021, for kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon. Instead of being sentenced to 25 years to life, the judge lowered his bail, allowing him to be released. He was then arrested later for failing to appear at his sentencing and a bench warrant was issued. The same judge released him again.
Source: Riverside County Sheriff's Department
