Armed suspect shot and injured by police in San Bernardino | Inland Empire News

An armed man who was a suspect in an earlier shooting incident was shot and seriously wounded by police in San Bernardino on May 26, San Bernardino police said.

The incident began at approximately 12:32 p.m. when officers were dispatched to a shooting that occurred near the northbound Interstate 215 exit at Baseline Street. The victim of the shooting told police that her estranged husband followed her onto the highway, where he exited his vehicle and fired several shots at her. The victim was able to escape without injury and called police.

Officers made contact with the victim and observed multiple bullet holes on the driver’s side of her vehicle. Officers identified the suspect as Michael Vargas, a 48-year-old San Bernardino resident. A records check revealed that Vargas had an out-of-county warrant for his arrest for spousal abuse stemming from a previous altercation with the same victim.

At approximately 1:16 p.m., officers observed the suspect leaving his home in another vehicle. Officers conducted a traffic stop near Baseline Street and Mt. Vernon Avenue. The suspect suddenly exited the vehicle, armed with a loaded firearm, and an officer-involved shootout ensued, police said.

Vargas’ firearm and holster were recovered at the crime scene, as well as an additional loaded magazine in his front pocket.

Officers called medical assistance to the scene and Vargas was transported to a local hospital where he is currently in critical condition.

The San Bernardino Police Department’s Homicide Unit took over the investigation along with members of the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office, who will oversee the investigation.