California sheriff’s deputy dies after being shot during attempted traffic stop

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A California sheriff's deputy has died after being shot following a pursuit of a motorcyclist who failed to pull over.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office announced just before midnight local time on Monday that 43-year-old Sgt. Dominic Vaca, a 17-year veteran of the force, had succumbed to the injuries. 

"The gunshot wound he sustained earlier today was too severe for him to overcome,"  Sheriff John McMahon announced in a video shared on Twitter. "Our prayers are with him and his family as we all mourn this difficult time."

The sheriff's office previously said deputies in the Yucca Valley area – about a two-hour drive east of Los Angeles – attempted a traffic stop around 12:33 p.m. near Paxton Road and Imperial Drive. 

McMahon said late Monday that the deputies spotted a male motorcyclist who was riding without a license plate. 

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The deputies tried to stop the rider but he instead kept going, initiating a chase. The suspect eventually stopped but took off on foot. 

While authorities were approaching the motorcycle, the rider came out of nowhere and opened fire, McMahon said. 

One of the deputies was hit by the spray of bullets. Other deputies were able to return fire – killing the armed suspect. 

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The deputy that was shot was airlifted to a local hospital where he was receiving medical care for his injuries before he died.