Full Notification

DATE/TIME: Wednesday, February 1, 2017/7:53 p.m.

INCIDENT: Stolen Vehicle/Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Peace Officer/Deputy Involved Shooting

LOCATION: Highland Avenue/Victoria Avenue, Highland

VICTIM: San Bernardino County Deputy Sheriff

SUSPECT: Michael Russo (deceased), age 31 a resident of Riverside


SUMMARY: Update: Thursday, February 2nd at 4:15 p.m.

The deputy that was struck by the vehicle and dragged received minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

The driver of the vehicle has been identified as Michael Russo. The female passenger has been identified as Ath Pen age 44 of Fresno. She remains hospitalized and is recovering from her injuries.

The investigation is ongoing, and new information will be released when it becomes available.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Detective Arturo Alvarado or Sergeant Greg Myler at (909)387-3589. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.

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On Wednesday, February 1, 2017, at approximately 7:53 p.m., deputies from the Central Sheriff’s Station received an Automated License Plate Reader alert of a stolen vehicle in the area of Highland Avenue and Victoria Avenue. Deputies located an unoccupied stolen vehicle in the parking structure of the San Manuel Casino. Deputies conducted surveillance on the vehicle. A short time later, a male and female entered the stolen vehicle. Deputies approached the vehicle in efforts to get the suspects to exit the vehicle safely. The driver started the vehicle, put it in reverse striking and dragging a deputy. A deputy involved shooting occurred. The male was struck by gunfire. The suspect continued to flee from deputies traveling at a high rate of speed in the parking structure and collided into two vehicles and a metal barrier as he traveled down the ramp. The female was believed to have injuries caused by the traffic collision. Both were transported to local area hospitals.

Investigators from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Specialized Investigations Division, Homicide Detail responded to the location and are conducting the investigation. The male was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. The adult female remains hospitalized with major injuries to her legs. Physicians have confirmed she has no evidence of injury from gunfire.

The Riverside County Coroner’s Office will conduct the autopsy and determine cause and manner of death.


Refer: Detective Arturo Alvarado or Sergeant Greg Myler

Station: Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail

Phone No. (909) 387-3589

Case No. DR # 771700141 H #2017-013
John McMahon, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department