Deputy Isaiah Cordero, 32, was fatally shot on Thursday afternoon while attempting a traffic stop. Photo provided by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.Riverside County motorcycle deputy Isaiah Cordero was fatally shot while attempting a traffic stop on Thursday afternoon in the City of Jurupa Valley. The suspect was killed following a chase that ended on the 15 Freeway
Deputy Cordero was shot while attempting a traffic stop shortly before 2 p.m., in the 3900 block of Golden West Avenue. The suspect fled the scene.
A community member who witnessed the shooting called 911, Sheriff Chad Biano said during a press conference. “Residents tried to help Deputy Cordero until law enforcement and paramedics arrived.”
Riverside County and San Bernardino County law enforcement agencies began a massive manhunt for the suspect. The suspect was located in San Bernardino County and a vehicle pursuit was initiated. The pursuit went through San Bernardino County, eventually returning to Riverside County.
A spike strip was used near the intersection of Valley Way and the 60 Freeway in Jurupa Valley. The vehicle eventually became disabled while driving and involved in a single-vehicle accident. At the end of the pursuit, the suspect fired rounds at deputies, who returned fire and killed the suspect.
The suspect, identified as 44-year-old William Shae McKay of San Bernardino County, has an extensive criminal history dating back prior to 2000 that consists of kidnapping, robbery, and the stabbing of a California Highway Patrol K9, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
“McKay has an extensive violent past and was convicted of this third strike in November 2021,” Sheriff Bianco said. “That case involved kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon. Instead of sentencing him to 25 years to life, which should have happened, the judge lowered his bail, allowing him to be released. He was again arrested for failing to appear at his sentencing and additional criminal charges. That same judge released him again. We would not be here today if that judge had done her job.”
Cordero started his career with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department on May 5, 2014, as a correctional deputy. He was promoted to a sworn deputy sheriff in 2018. He transferred to the Jurupa Valley Station in 2020. He completed motor school in September 2022 and was currently working motorcycle enforcement. “His goal from the day he was hired was to become a motor deputy,” Sheriff Bianco said.
Deputy Cordero was 32 years old. He is survived by his parents and stepbrother.
