The Inland Empire man accused of causing a chase crash that killed a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy pleaded not guilty on Thursday to murder and other charges.
Ryan Turner, 22, was denied bail on his first court appearance as San Bernardino authorities asked the judge to custody Turner before trial due to his criminal history, including another fast tracking crash in 2024.
Turner, who is allegedly driving a stolen vehicle, is charged with murder, avoiding officers and driving the vehicle without consent while Deputy Hector Quebus Jr. continues. San Bernardino County officials also accused the suspect of driving 100 mph on ground roads and driving at least four red lights before causing a fatal crash.
San Bernardino County Sheriff Deputy Hector Kuevas Jr. passed away at the scene of a crash in a high desert community. The video shows two patrol SUV splits scattered near the intersection of Seneca and Hervead roads, and shards.
The black sedan at the intersection appeared to have damaged the front-end with airbags deployed inside the car.
According to San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson, Turner has faced 15 years of life.
“This is the third time (Turner) has claimed he is guilty of stealing a car,” the district attorney explained, adding that the pursuit lasted about nine minutes.
When Turner was taken into custody Monday, he had been out of prison for several months due to another high-speed crash, including a stolen vehicle, according to the Rialto Police Department.
In January 2024, Turner attempted to escape from police and attempted to drive a stolen car on Rialto’s ground street up to 90 miles. Police said he collided with another vehicle at the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Meridian Avenue.
Turner received 16 months in the county jail, but he was released from custody in October 2024 and served an eight-month sentence, the Rialto Police Department added.
Meanwhile, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office is flooded with support from communities across Southern California and across the country, Sheriff Dicus said.
Dozens gathered at the crash scene Tuesday night to lament the 36-year-old aide. Flowers, candles and other items were left in honor of six years of members of the department who were remembered as stand-up individuals, a deep loss to the community.
He is survived by his wife, two young children, parents and siblings.
After the crash, a procession of law enforcement officers escorted Quebus’ body to the San Bernardino Coroner’s Office. The queue passed through the parking lot at the Victorville Police Station, about a mile east of the collision.
Firefighters on top of the two fire trucks parked on the elevated highway in tribute as the procession passed.
Victorville has a contract with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office of Police Services.
