Key Point Summary – Deputy Kills Suspect

• Off-duty deputy shot and killed a murder suspect in Fontana
• The suspect had just killed his estranged wife and her new partner
• Victims were Gloria Zamora, 40, and Hector Garduno, 43
• Gunman was identified as Tomas Lizarraga, 45
• Incident happened outside a sushi restaurant on Summit Avenue
• Deputy heard gunfire, made a U-turn, and confronted the suspect
• Police say domestic violence likely played a role

A Shocking Ambush Outside Sushi Spot

What should have been a quiet night out ended in bloodshed. Just before 10 p.m., a man opened fire on two people eating outside a sushi restaurant in the Falcon Ridge Town Center. The victims, later identified as Gloria Zamora and Hector Garduno, were rushed to a nearby hospital but did not survive.

According to Fontana police, the shooter was Zamora’s estranged husband, Tomas Alberto Lizarraga. Witnesses say Lizarraga approached the couple without warning, pulled out a gun, and started shooting. The attack appeared targeted and personal.

Deputy Kills Suspect Moments After Shooting

At that exact moment, an off-duty San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy happened to be driving nearby. He heard the gunfire, made a fast U-turn, and pulled into the parking lot. Spotting Lizarraga trying to flee, the deputy jumped out and confronted him.

Police say Lizarraga began to run, prompting the deputy to open fire. The suspect was struck and died at the scene before paramedics could arrive.

Fontana Police Department and the sheriff’s office have launched separate investigations into the incident. So far, officials say the deputy’s response may have prevented further carnage.

Motive Points To Domestic Violence

Police believe the killings stemmed from a domestic dispute. While the full history between Zamora and Lizarraga has not yet been released, authorities are treating the case as a deadly escalation of domestic violence.

Officer Steven Reed of the Fontana Police Department called the incident “tragic” and said these cases rarely occur without a buildup. “It escalates and escalates,” he said. “This kind of ending usually isn’t the first sign something’s wrong.”

Friends of the victims confirmed that Zamora and Lizarraga had separated. Zamora had reportedly started a new relationship with Garduno, which may have triggered the attack.

Community Rattled By Public Killing

The sushi restaurant where the shooting occurred is located in a busy shopping plaza filled with families, diners, and late-night visitors. As shots rang out, people ducked for cover and screamed for help. Many ran toward the chaos. Others froze in place, watching as the off-duty deputy chased the gunman.

Witnesses have started leaving flowers and candles near the scene. Some said they had seen the victims earlier that night laughing and holding hands. Others, still in shock, posted tributes online.

Fontana residents say it’s hard to comprehend such violence erupting in a familiar place. “It’s terrifying,” said one local. “I come here with my kids all the time. This could’ve happened to anyone.”

Hero Deputy Praised For Fast Action

The off-duty deputy who responded has not been publicly named, but police say his quick actions stopped a dangerous situation from getting worse. Officials say he acted on instinct and risked his own life to protect others.

Many in the community have called him a hero. “He didn’t wait. He turned around and ran toward the gunfire,” one eyewitness said. “That kind of bravery saved lives.”

Authorities say the deputy will be fully cleared pending the results of the investigation. Body cam or dash cam footage may not be available, but security cameras from nearby businesses could help piece together the full chain of events.

What Comes Next

As Fontana police and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department continue their investigations, they’re also examining Lizarraga’s background. Authorities are looking into whether there were previous reports of domestic violence, restraining orders, or threats.

Advocates say this tragedy is yet another example of why early intervention in domestic situations is so critical. They’re urging anyone in similar relationships to seek help immediately, whether from police, legal services, or local shelters.

For now, a community is left grieving, a family is shattered, and two lives were ended far too soon. But thanks to one deputy’s instincts, the violence didn’t spread further. A tragedy unfolded—but it didn’t become a massacre.