A kidnapping victim in his 60s died in the trunk of a car after his abductor opened fire on him following a police chase in Chino Hills, California. Deputies shot and killed the 67-year-old suspect moments after he executed the victim, ending a violent crime spree that began at a residential home Wednesday night.

Chase Ends in Deadly Confrontation

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies initiated a traffic stop on a Nissan Altima with Oregon plates around 10 p.m. on Wandering Ridge Drive. Surveillance footage captured the driver exiting the vehicle, walking to the trunk, opening it, and shooting the kidnapped man inside before deputies returned fire. A passenger who emerged with hands raised was taken into custody. Both the suspect and victim were pronounced dead at the scene.

Sheriff’s spokeswoman Gloria Orejel confirmed deputies were unaware anyone was trapped in the trunk until the suspect opened fire. “It is disturbing,” Orejel stated. “Apparently there was a victim inside there who had been kidnapped from the previous Monteverde Drive address.” Investigators believe the victim was shot at his home, forced into the trunk, and driven away before the pursuit began.

Crime Began at Residential Home

The sequence started just after 10 p.m. when deputies responded to reports of gunfire and screams for help on Monteverde Drive in Chino Hills. Upon arrival, they spotted the Nissan and attempted a traffic stop. The driver refused to yield, initiating a brief chase that ended on nearby Wandering Ridge Drive where the fatal shooting occurred.

An unidentified eyewitness reported seeing a vehicle arrive late Wednesday night, followed by screams before the car sped away. Family friend Adam Nijiati identified the victim as a business owner in his 60s who operated several small companies. Nijiati rushed to the scene after learning of the incident but could not reach the victim’s family by phone.

Community Reacts to Rare Violence

Gregory Uthus, a resident near the scene, expressed shock at the violence. “This doesn’t happen in Chino Hills,” he said. Several neighbors who claimed friendship with the victim’s family declined on-camera interviews, citing safety concerns following the incident. The Sheriff’s Department assured residents there is no ongoing threat to public safety and no outstanding suspects remain at large.

No deputies were injured during the confrontation. Authorities continue investigating the motive behind the kidnapping and murder. The identities of both deceased individuals have not been officially released pending notification of family members. Law enforcement maintained a significant presence in the area as the investigation proceeded through Thursday morning.