Introduction to the Incident
The detective who used his car to stop a fleeing suspect accused of killing a sheriff’s deputy in Rancho Cucamonga has been honored for his actions with two commendations at a California Narcotic Officers’ Association ceremony.
The Heroic Act
On Oct. 27, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Detective Shaun Wallen stopped the suspect, who was fleeing by motorcycle, during a high-speed chase on the 210 Freeway. Wallen, who was off-duty at the time, used his vehicle to intervene and knock the suspect, 47-year-old Angelo Jose Saldivar, off of the motorcycle he was riding, sending him over the car’s hood, to the ground where he was surrounded by law enforcement.
Background of the Incident
Saldivar had led officers on a pursuit after San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Andrew Nunez was shot and killed, authorities said. Nunez was responding to a domestic violence call on Hollyhock Drive in Rancho Cucamonga when he was shot and killed.
Honors and Recognition
For his work stopping the suspect, Wallen was presented with two honors, the California Narcotic Officers’ Association President’s Award for Heroism and a Commissioner’s Coin from the California Highway Patrol on Saturday, Nov. 22.
Detective Wallen’s Service and Previous Honors
Wallen has been with the department for 18 years. “California Highway Patrol Commissioner Sean Duryee wanted Detective Wallen to know just how impressed he was with his heroic actions,” San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus wrote on social media. “Detective Wallen placed himself in harm’s way for the safety of others in the moments following the death of Deputy Andrew Nunez. I couldn’t be more proud of Detective Wallen and the courage he showed during an unthinkably difficult time,” Dicus said on social media. This is not the detective’s first time being honored for his actions. In 2018, Wallen was presented with the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor by President Donald Trump for his brave actions in a shootout with the suspects in the Dec. 2, 2015 San Bernardino terror attack that left 14 dead and 22 injured.
Reaction and Awards Ceremony
Wallen received his latest awards Saturday during a meeting of the Narcotic Officers’ Association at an undisclosed location.
Thank you to the CNOA Board of Directors for honoring San Bernardino County Detective Shaun Wallen with the President’s Award for Heroism.
Detective Wallen placed himself in harm’s way for the safety of others in the moments following the death of Deputy Andrew Nunez. I… pic.twitter.com/N8I5MFK1c0
— Shannon Dicus (@SheriffDicus) November 23, 2025
Conclusion
Detective Shaun Wallen’s heroic actions in stopping the suspect accused of killing Deputy Andrew Nunez have been recognized with two prestigious awards. His bravery and selflessness in the face of danger are a testament to his dedication to serving and protecting his community. Wallen’s actions are an inspiration to law enforcement officers everywhere, and his recognition is well-deserved.
FAQs
- Who is Detective Shaun Wallen?
Detective Shaun Wallen is a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s detective who has been honored for his heroic actions in stopping a suspect accused of killing a deputy. - What awards did Detective Wallen receive?
Detective Wallen received the California Narcotic Officers’ Association President’s Award for Heroism and a Commissioner’s Coin from the California Highway Patrol. - What incident led to Detective Wallen’s heroic actions?
The incident involved a high-speed chase on the 210 Freeway, where Detective Wallen used his vehicle to stop a suspect who was fleeing on a motorcycle after allegedly killing Deputy Andrew Nunez. - How long has Detective Wallen been with the department?
Detective Wallen has been with the department for 18 years. - Has Detective Wallen been honored before?
Yes, in 2018, Detective Wallen was presented with the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor by President Donald Trump for his brave actions in a shootout with suspects in the 2015 San Bernardino terror attack.
