A San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department deputy died Tuesday night after he was attacked by a driver following a crash over the weekend.
The victim was identified as 70-year-old Lawrence Falce, a 33-year veteran of the sheriff's department, according to law enforcement officials. He leaves behind his sister and his long-time girlfriend.
Just before 10:50 a.m. Sunday, the deputy and another driver collided near California State University, San Bernardino by the intersection of Kendall Drive and University Parkway.
After the crash, both vehicles stopped and the other vehicle's driver struck Falce.
The deputy suffered "severe injuries" and was transported to a hospital, where he was placed on life support. He died Tuesday evening.
"Larry was loved by his peers and the community members he served. More importantly, he cared about so many people he called family. Larry is survived by his sister, Marjorie, and his girlfriend of many years, Deborah. He also leaves behind many extended loved ones," the sheriff's department said in a news release.
The driver of the other vehicle was detained at the scene, according to SBPD. He is facing felony battery, elder abuse and street terrorism.
Surveillance footage from a nearby business shows that two stray dogs on the road may have led up to the crash. Witnesses told NBC4 that it seemed as if Falce swerved his vehicle to avoid hitting the dogs before he crashed into the other driver.
The other driver attempted to flee the scene before a white truck rammed into him in an attempt to stop him.
Anyone with information about the attack or crash is asked to contact Detective J. Castro of the SBPD at 909-384-5745 or Sgt. Mahan at 909-388-4955.
