When a motorcyclist, suspected of fatally shooting a San Bernardino County deputy, ran away from authorities in October, he created a dangerous situation for other drivers along the 210 Freeway in Upland, traveling nearly at 200 miles per hour.
What brought the pursuit to a full stop was quick-thinking actions by an off-duty detective with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Detective Shaun Wallen has been commended for clipping the pursuit suspect, who is accused of killing the deputy while trying to avoid being arrested for domestic violence. Wallen used his car to knock the suspect off his motorcycle before the man was taken into custody.
“I basically heard what was going on. I was in a position to do something, and I did,” Wallen said. “I was off duty at the time. As police officers, off duty doesn’t always mean off duty.”
The pursuit suspect, Angelo Jose Saldivar, was charged with the murder of Deputy Andrew Nunez, who was killed while responding to a domestic call involving Saldivar on Oct. 27. Saldivar also faces an allegation of felony evasion as he ran away from deputies to evade arrest.
Wallen, who received two law enforcement honors for his actions in October, has been recognized for his heroism previously.
When Wallen was a deputy 10 years ago, he was part of the team that took down the husband and wife who killed 14 people and injured 22 in the San Bernardino terror attack.
“There was a large volley of gunfire. I remember the male suspect running from the front of the car,” Wallen recalled. “He ran northbound, and I just shot as fast as I could until I ran out of rounds.”
Wallen and his colleagues were presented with the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor by Pres. Donald Trump in 2018.
Despite the accolades he’s received during his career, the detective does not like the spotlight or being called a hero.
“Law enforcement, in my opinion, is a very humble noble profession,” he said. “I think everyone who gets into this line of work has that same mindset that they do what they can for the public, partners, teammates.”
Wallen also said he takes his oath as a law enforcement officer seriously as he tries to make right decisions and “do the right things for the right reasons.”
“We have an obligation to protect the public and partners, just like we have obligations to protect our families,” he said.
Allison Craig is a passionate sports writer and analyst with a deep love for game strategies, player performances, and the latest trends in the sports world. With years of experience covering football, basketball, tennis, and more, she delivers insightful analysis and engaging content for sports enthusiasts.
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