San Bernardino, CA – A San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy was shot and his patrol car was set ablaze during an attempted traffic stop late Tuesday afternoon.
The attack occurred in the area of Olive Street and Bobbett Drive shortly after 4 p.m., KABC reported.
A home security camera showed the deputy’s patrol car following after the suspect vehicle as it rounded a corner.
Just then, a barrage of over two dozen gunshots rang out.
The deputy, who was wounded in the attack, put out a “shots fired” call and additional deputies raced to the scene to help him, KABC reported.
When they arrived, they discovered the deputy’s patrol SUV had been set on fire, resulting in severe damage to the windshield and hood.
The suspect, described as a male in his 20s, managed to escape in a white BMW prior to their arrival.
Investigators later located the suspect vehicle at an apartment complex on Date Street, but the shooter remains at large.
Deputies found the wounded deputy lying on the ground and quickly administered first aid, to include the use of a tourniquet, the Los Angeles Times reported.
He was transported to Community Hospital of San Bernardino with shrapnel wounds to his arm and superficial wounds to his face, San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus said during a press conference later that night, according to KABC.
Sheriff Dicus said the deputy was conscious and alert.
He is a 27-year-old, four-year veteran of the department, the Los Angeles Times reported.
“We are glad to report that our deputy is currently in stable condition and in good spirits,” the sheriff tweeted about six hours after the attack. “Thank you for the outpouring of prayers and support for our deputy, his family, and our Department.”
We are glad to report that our deputy is currently in stable condition and in good spirits. Thank you for the outpouring of prayers and support for our deputy, his family, and our Department. https://t.co/RExirKXeEa
— Shannon Dicus (@SheriffDicus) August 18, 2021
The search for the gunman remains ongoing, KABC reported.
Sheriff Dicus said investigators are also working to determine the exact cause of the patrol car blaze.
The San Bernardino Police Department is handling the ongoing investigation into the shooting, the Los Angeles Times reported.