U.S. Army · United States 
Dominic David Vaca
2021
Dominic David Vaca served the U.S. Army for 5 years. Dominic served in the Afghanistan and the Global War on Terrorism.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
Gunfire
What Happened
Sergeant Dominic Vaca was shot and killed following a vehicle pursuit of a motorcycle in Yucca Valley at about 2:00 pm.
Deputies were conducting enforcement operations for off-highway vehicle violations when they attempted to stop the motorcycle near Paxton Road and Imperial Drive for having no license plate. The driver abandoned the motorcycle near Dumosa Avenue and Sunnyslope Drive and set up an ambush for responding deputies. As the deputies approached the motorcycle, the subject opened fire on them, fatally wounding Sergeant Vaca.
Other deputies returned fire and killed the subject.
Sergeant Vaca was flown to a trauma center where he died a short time later.
Sergeant Vaca had served with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department for 17 years.
Deputies were conducting enforcement operations for off-highway vehicle violations when they attempted to stop the motorcycle near Paxton Road and Imperial Drive for having no license plate. The driver abandoned the motorcycle near Dumosa Avenue and Sunnyslope Drive and set up an ambush for responding deputies. As the deputies approached the motorcycle, the subject opened fire on them, fatally wounding Sergeant Vaca.
Other deputies returned fire and killed the subject.
Sergeant Vaca was flown to a trauma center where he died a short time later.
Sergeant Vaca had served with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department for 17 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two children.
Service Record
U.S. Army
1996 – 2002
Conflicts
Afghanistan
Global War on Terrorism
Also Served
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department
Sergeant
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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