Victorville, California — Newly released bodycam video from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department captures a harrowing gunfight at a Victorville gas station, where a longtime sergeant was wounded and a 27-year-old suspect was killed.
The incident occurred on December 1, 2023, just after 1:40 p.m. at the ARCO AMPM station located on Bear Valley Road near Amethyst Road. A woman locked herself inside the store’s restroom and asked employees to call 911, saying her boyfriend, Jorge Cardenas, had threatened her with a gun.
Dispatcher audio records a clerk saying, “She is still in the restroom. She does not want to go out,” while describing Cardenas waiting outside in a silver Nissan Altima.
Minutes later, a lone sergeant arrived, parked behind Cardenas’ vehicle, and attempted to detain him. Officials said Cardenas entered the store, drew a handgun from his waistband, and opened fire. A fierce exchange of gunfire followed.
During the shootout, the sergeant was struck in the legs and on his taser, causing him to fall to the ground. Despite his injuries, the sergeant maintained control, radioed for backup, reloaded his weapon — even after accidentally ejecting a fresh magazine — and continued the engagement.
Cardenas walked out of the store and advanced toward the injured sergeant with his gun still drawn. The sergeant returned fire, striking Cardenas multiple times and ultimately neutralizing him. Cardenas was pronounced dead at the scene.
The wounded sergeant was airlifted to Loma Linda University Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. Sheriff Shannon Dicus praised the sergeant’s training, composure, and determination for saving his own life.
The incident prompted multiple investigations, including a criminal probe into Cardenas’ actions, an internal review to ensure departmental policy was followed, and an evaluation by the District Attorney’s Office.
