VICTORVILLE, CA – A routine afternoon at a Victorville gas station turned into a scene of chaos and gunfire on December 1, 2023, culminating in a deadly shootout between a sheriff’s deputy and an armed suspect.
The incident began when a woman, visibly distressed, entered the AM PM on Bear Valley Road. She urgently informed the clerks that her companion, later identified as Jorge Cardenas, was carrying a firearm and threatening her. The clerks immediately contacted 911, setting off a swift response from local law enforcement.
Upon arrival, the deputy attempted to engage with Cardenas. Surveillance footage captured the tense moment when Cardenas suddenly drew his weapon and fired at the deputy. The deputy, quick to react, returned fire. The exchange of bullets was intense, with both men sustaining injuries.
In a critical moment, the deputy, despite being hit, managed to reload his weapon and fire back just as Cardenas was preparing to shoot again. This decisive action resulted in Cardenas being fatally wounded, ending the threat he posed.
The deputy, who was shot multiple times, was swiftly airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. Fortunately, his injuries were not life-threatening, and he is expected to recover.
Witnesses described the scene as harrowing, with one bystander exclaiming in disbelief as the events unfolded. The swift response of the emergency services, including paramedics and additional deputies, ensured that the situation was contained without further casualties.
Authorities later confirmed that Cardenas was pronounced dead at the scene.
This tragic event underscores the unpredictable nature of law enforcement duties and the dangers officers face daily. The deputy’s bravery and quick thinking in a life-threatening situation were instrumental in preventing further harm.