On 5/26/2024 at about 12:32 p.m., San Bernardino Police Officers were dispatched to a shooting
that occurred near the northbound I-215 offramp at Baseline Street. The victim of the shooting
told police that her estranged husband followed her onto the freeway, where he exited his
vehicle and fired multiple rounds at her. The victim was able to escape without injuries and called
the police.
Officers contacted the victim and observed several bullet holes on the driver's side of her
vehicle. The officers identified the suspect as Michael Vargas (48 years resident of San
Bernardino). A records check showed Vargas had an out-of-county felony warrant for spousal
abuse, which stemmed from an earlier altercation with the same victim.
San Bernardino, Calif. - At about 1:16 p.m., officers located the suspect leaving his residence in a separate
vehicle. Officers conducted a traffic stop near Baseline Street and Mt. Vernon Avenue. The
suspect abruptly exited the vehicle, armed with a loaded firearm, and an officer-involved
shooting occurred. Vargas’s firearm and holster were recovered at the scene, along with an
additional loaded magazine in his front pocket.
Officers summoned medical aid to the scene, and Vargas was transported to a local hospital,
where he's currently in critical condition. The San Bernardino Police Department Homicide Unit
responded to handle the investigation along with members of the San Bernardino County District
Attorney's Office who will oversee the investigation.
Handgun and extra magazine recovered from Vargas.
Anybody with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Detective N. Alvarez
at [email protected] (909) 388-4851 or Sergeant J. Plummer
at [email protected] (909)384-5613.