San Bernardino police shoot suspect after he allegedly shot his divorced wife on Freeway 215

A domestic violence suspect who allegedly opened fire on his wife on the 215 Freeway on Sunday is in critical condition after being shot by police, authorities said.

The incident began around 12:30 p.m. when officers were dispatched to a reported shooting that had occurred shortly before near the Baseline Street exit on the north side of I-215, according to a statement from San Bernardino police.

Arriving officers spoke with the victim, who told them that her “estranged husband followed her onto the highway where he exited his vehicle and fired several shots at her,” the statement said.

The victim was unharmed in the shooting, but officers found several bullet holes in the side of her vehicle.

Nearly an hour later, around 1:15 p.m., officers attempted to stop the suspect near Baseline Street and Mt. Vernon Avenue.

“The suspect abruptly exited the vehicle armed with a loaded firearm and an officer-involved shootout ensued,” the SBPD statement said.

According to reports, officers found a firearm and a holster as well as an additional loaded magazine in the man’s front pocket.

The suspect was taken to a nearby hospital, where he remained in critical condition on Sunday evening.

Investigators identified the suspect as 48-year-old Michael Vargas of San Bernardino. A records check revealed he had an out-of-county warrant for spousal abuse stemming from a previous incident involving the same victim, police said.

The investigations are still ongoing.