California deputy shot, killed by man with ‘extensive criminal history’ during traffic stop: sheriff

A California sheriff’s deputy was shot and killed Thursday afternoon during a traffic stop, which led to a massive manhunt for the suspect and resulted in the fatal shooting by authorities.

At a news conference Thursday night, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco confirmed that Deputy Isaiah Cordero was fatally shot during a traffic stop in Jurupa Valley. He said the department is “deeply heartbroken” by the loss.

“He certainly embodied our motto of service before self,” Bianco said of the 32-year-old deputy, who was hired by Riverside County as a deputy corrections officer in May 2014.

Bianco said Cordero began Basic Academy 204 in February 2018 and was promoted to a sworn deputy sheriff after completing the program. He graduated from motor school in September and had only been working as a deputy motorist, a highly coveted job on the force, for about three months when he was killed.

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Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy Isaiah Cordero was identified by the police union as the deputy shot and killed Thursday. (Riverside County Sheriff’s Department)

The Riverside Sheriff’s Association initially identified Cordero as the fallen deputy earlier in the evening and released the following statement about his death:

“We are devastated by the loss of Deputy Isaiah Cordero, a deputy who was a ray of sunshine for the Riverside Sheriff’s Department, a person who was dedicated to protecting others. Once again, we are faced with a tragic reminder of selflessness and unflinching courage is required of peace officers and their families.

“Deputy Cordero put on his uniform every day to make a difference in his community and keep families safe,” the statement continued. “Deputy Cordero’s death leaves a huge hole in the hearts of so many who had the opportunity to know him personally. Today, Deputy Cordero made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty – a debt that can never be repaid. We must honor him. memory and life of public service through our words and actions. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and fellow MPs at this difficult time.”

Cordero was fatally shot during a traffic stop around 2 p.m. near the 3900 block of Golden West Avenue. The deputy was approaching the vehicle when the driver, later identified as 54-year-old William Shae McKay, pulled out a gun and shot him.

Bianco said a community member witnessed the shooting, called 911 and stayed with Cordero until paramedics arrived at the scene.

Authorities at the scene Thursday where a Riverside County Sheriff’s deputy was shot and killed. The suspect was shot and killed by authorities a short time later. (KTTV)

During the conference call, Bianco said McKay had an extensive criminal history in California dating back more than 22 years.

Bianco said a massive manhunt for McKay ended quickly enough when he was found driving in San Bernardino County. McKay led authorities on a chase back into Riverside County, where a stinger bar was deployed, damaging both of his rear tires. He continued to drive until his vehicle became disabled and then began shooting at deputies who returned fire, killing him.

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Before shooting Cordero, McKay was most recently pursued by California authorities in March 2021 on a felony kidnapping warrant. McKay was arrested after he stabbed California Highway Patrol K-9 Sam, who knocked him down after his car was disabled by a guardrail and he tried to flee on foot. The K-9 survived the attack.

Bianco said McKay was convicted of his third strike in November 2021 in connection with the above incident and should have been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. Before sentencing, the judge lowered McKay’s bond, which resulted in his release.

He was then arrested for failure to appear for sentencing, where the same judge allowed him to be released again, according to Bianco.

“We wouldn’t be here today if the judge had done her job,” Bianco said.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco speaks to the media following the on-duty death of Deputy Isaiah Cordero on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022. (Riverside County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook)

The sheriff did not name the judge, but said she is a San Bernardino County judge.

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A large group of law enforcement officers were seen outside Riverside Community Hospital where the deputy died.

Cordero is the first Riverside County deputy killed in the line of duty in more than 10 years, according to the sheriff, who added that he has about 4,000 employees.

Riverside County Deputy Isaiah Cordero was shot and killed Thursday, December 29, 2022, during an attempted traffic stop in Jurupa County, California. (Riverside County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook)

He is survived by his girlfriend, an older stepdaughter and his parents.