Key Takeaways
- A home invasion in Chino Hills led to a high-speed pursuit and a deputy-involved shooting late Wednesday night.
- Deputies shot and killed the driver of a gray Nissan Altima after he opened the trunk, where a body was discovered.
- A passenger surrendered and was taken into custody; no deputies were injured.
- The victim in the trunk is believed to be the homeowner, though official identification is pending.
Introduction
A quiet Chino Hills neighborhood became the scene of two crime scenes Wednesday night after a home invasion escalated into a police pursuit and a fatal deputy-involved shooting. Investigators are piecing together events that began on Monteverde Drive and ended about 1.5 miles away on Wandering Ridge Drive, where a body was found in the trunk of the suspect's car.
What Happened: Home Invasion and Pursuit
Just after 10 p.m. Wednesday, deputies responded to a home in the 2100 block of Monteverde Drive in Chino Hills. According to neighbors, the homeowner's electricity had been cut, prompting him to go outside to investigate. Multiple sources told FOX 11 that the homeowner was shot and killed, and his body was placed inside the trunk of a gray Nissan Altima with Oregon plates. The suspects then fled, leading deputies on a pursuit that ended near Gemstone Court and Wandering Ridge Drive.
Deputy-Involved Shooting
Surveillance video obtained by ABC7 shows the pursuit vehicle slowly stopping as deputies surrounded it. A passenger exited with his hands raised and was taken into custody. The driver then got out, walked to the trunk, and opened it. Moments later, deputies opened fire, fatally shooting the driver. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department confirmed no deputies were hurt. After the shooting, investigators discovered a body inside the trunk.
Local California Context
Chino Hills is a city in San Bernardino County, part of the Inland Empire region. The neighborhood on Monteverde Drive is a residential area that, according to neighbors, has been repeatedly targeted by burglars. They reported that alarms were often disabled before break-ins. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about home invasion crimes in suburban Southern California.
Background
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and Chino Police Department are jointly investigating both crime scenes. Homicide detectives are working to confirm whether the body in the trunk is indeed the homeowner, and to determine if any additional suspects are involved. The sheriff's office stated there is no ongoing threat to the public, but a law enforcement presence will continue in the area.
Conclusion
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the homeowner or the suspects. The investigation remains active, and more details are expected as forensic analysis and witness interviews proceed. Residents are urged to report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement.