Joe Pasquez Ortiz, 34

San Bernardino, California
October 11, 2015

Agencies: San Bernardino Police Department - California

Cause of death: Shooting


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Last updated: almost 6 years ago

Overview

“Around 3:30 Sunday afternoon 9-1-1 operators received a call from a 7-year-old girl who said a man with a gun threatened to kill her father,” police Sgt. Vicki Cervantes said. “When the officers arrived on scene the victims pointed out two suspects.”

One of the men was cooperative with police, she added. “The other man, presumed to be armed, fled from officers on a bicycle.”

One of the officers chased the man on foot through Seccombe Lake Park and into the alleyway south of Fifth Street, between Interocean Way and Waterman Avenue, she said.

“The officer fired several rounds, hitting the suspect,” Cervantes said.

The suspect, who police said was in his early 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Several neighbors heard the commotion and came to the street to see the aftermath of what had transpired.

“I don’t know what happened, but there’s a lot of bad things that go on down here,” said one man who asked to remain anonymous. “I’ve lived here for 10 years and it’s just getting worse and worse.”

Police said Fifth Street would be closed for several hours due to the ongoing investigation.

Police didn’t elaborate as to whether or not a weapon was found on the man, but said it’s early in the investigation and more information will be released as it comes available.

Legal Action

March 2017 Officer cleared