A Wednesday night kidnapping in Chino Hills concluded in a residential neighborhood when a suspect executed an abducted victim inside the trunk of a car just moments before San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department deputies opened fire and killed him, according to authorities. The sequence of events began shortly after 10 p.m. on July 29, when deputies responded to reports of gunfire and a person calling for help in the 2000 block of Monteverde Drive.
Chino Hills Kidnapping Ends in Trunk Shooting and Deputy Response
According to San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department public information officer Gloria Orejel, a man exited his house and was shot before being forced into the trunk of a vehicle by two men. Investigators believe the victim was shot, shoved into the trunk, and driven away from the home. Neighbors reported hearing screams and a car speeding away from the residential area late Wednesday night.
Traffic Stop and Pursuit on Wandering Ridge Drive
Responding deputies spotted the suspect vehicle—a Nissan Altima with Oregon license plates—speeding away from the Monteverde Drive area. Deputies initially attempted a traffic stop unaware that an abducted person was hidden inside the vehicle trunk. The driver failed to yield, leading law enforcement on a short, mile-long pursuit.
The chase concluded in the 2400 block of Wandering Ridge Drive, where deputies pulled the sedan over. Surveillance footage and sheriff’s accounts indicate that a passenger exited the vehicle with his hands up and complied with deputies’ commands, eventually taking cover or dropping to the ground. However, the driver acted differently, walking to the rear of the car and opening the trunk.
Trunk Execution and Deputy-Involved Shooting
As deputies approached during the traffic stop, the driver opened the trunk and fired a shot directly into the kidnapping victim trapped inside. At least one deputy immediately opened fire in response, fatally striking the driver.
Both the driver and the kidnapping victim were pronounced dead at the scene. The second suspect, who served as the passenger, surrendered without injury and was taken into police custody. No deputies were injured during the incident. Investigators confirmed that a white sheet and tarp were placed over the suspect’s body beside the vehicle, while the victim’s body remained inside the trunk until investigators completed their on-scene work.
Investigation and Community Impact
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the two dead individuals, though officials noted the victim was a man in his 60s who owned small businesses and lived on Monteverde Drive with his family. The two suspects were reported to be in their late 60s. Investigators are still working to determine the motive behind the attack and any prior relationship between the suspects and the victim.
The violent confrontation deeply rattled local residents in the normally quiet Chino Hills neighborhood. Law enforcement officials stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public and no outstanding suspects remain at large, though residents can expect a continued police presence while the homicide investigation continues.
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