A San Bernardino County sheriff’s detective was shot during a gunfire exchange with a suspect in Littlerock on Wednesday afternoon, authorities reported. The incident, which resulted in the death of the suspect, took place around 3:10 p.m. in a remote area near the 13000 block of East Avenue R2 at 130th Street.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said that San Bernardino County detectives were conducting an investigation when they encountered an armed and dangerous suspect who was prepared to engage police officers in a shootout. “This was a very dangerous individual,” Luna stated during a news conference Wednesday evening, describing the wounded detective as a hero.

Initial statements from the Los Angeles and San Bernardino County sheriff’s departments indicated that the detective was serving a search warrant when the gunfire erupted, and that both the detective and suspect were struck. However, neither Luna nor San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus confirmed those details during the briefing.

The detective, a 12-year veteran identified only as being in his 30s, sustained a gunshot wound just below the rib cage. Dicus said the officer was swiftly airlifted by the department’s Air Rescue 5 helicopter to Antelope Valley Medical Center in Lancaster, where he was undergoing surgery for internal injuries. The rapid evacuation and in-flight stabilization were described as critical.

The suspect was declared dead at the scene, which remained largely unsecured as investigators continued gathering evidence. “We don’t believe any suspects are outstanding,” Dicus said, noting that several individuals had been detained during the ongoing investigation.

Aerial photographs and on-scene reports showed two SUVs with visible bullet damage and a deputy’s ballistic vest lying on the ground nearby. The body of the deceased suspect was covered near one of the vehicles. Dozens of Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies responded and remained at the scene, which featured a desert landscape interspersed with dilapidated structures.

Sheriff Luna confirmed that the Los Angeles County sheriff’s Homicide Bureau is leading the investigation. Additionally, personnel from the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office and district attorney’s office were dispatched to process the scene. “We haven’t even processed the scene yet,” Luna noted, underscoring that many details remain under review.