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1300+A Fresno man will spend decades in prison for shooting a San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy during a 2022 traffic contact in Rancho Cucamonga. Nicholas Campbell was sentenced on November 6, 2026, to 55 years to life plus six additional years in state prison.
The sentencing closes a four-year chapter for the deputy, his family, and the community. It also shows how the criminal and civil justice systems work side by side.
What Happened in Rancho Cucamonga
Shortly after midnight on a Sunday in July 2022, a deputy responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in the 5700 block of Sycamore Court. Deputy Marcus Mason, a five-year veteran assigned to the Rancho Cucamonga Station, contacted the driver and began a records check.
Authorities say the driver pulled out a handgun and shot Deputy Mason twice. Mason returned fire as the gunman ran away on foot. He was airlifted to a hospital and listed as stable.
Mason also radioed a description of the suspect despite his wounds. Officers soon found Campbell walking near Chaffey College and took him into custody. Sheriff Shannon Dicus said at the time that Campbell was on parole for a carjacking and had an extensive criminal history.
Jury Verdict and Sentence
After a seven-day trial, a San Bernardino County jury found Campbell guilty of attempted murder of a peace officer, possession of a firearm by a felon, and assault with a semiautomatic firearm.
The district attorney’s office said a packed Rancho Cucamonga courtroom watched the sentencing, including more than a dozen deputies and Mason’s family. The sheriff’s department said Mason’s injuries ultimately forced his medical retirement and ended his career.
Why a Criminal Sentence Is Only Part of the Picture
A prison term holds a wrongdoer accountable. It does not pay medical bills, replace lost income, or cover long-term care. Those losses are addressed through a separate civil process.
Civil Claims Move on Their Own Track
In California, a criminal case and a personal injury claim are independent. A conviction does not automatically award damages to a victim, and a civil claim does not depend on how the criminal trial turns out. Victims of violent crime may also qualify for help through the California Victim Compensation Board.
Injured on the Job
Public safety workers hurt in the line of duty often have workers’ compensation benefits. In some situations, a separate claim against the person who caused the harm may also be possible. An attorney can review how those options fit together.
Deadlines Matter
Most California personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the injury. Claims involving a government entity can carry much shorter notice deadlines, sometimes as little as six months.
Get Legal Help in Rancho Cucamonga
If violence, a crash, or another person’s negligence has left you or a loved one injured, you do not have to sort through the claims process alone. The skilled personal injury attorneys at Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer help injured people across California, including the Inland Empire.
Our team offers free consultations and works on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Contact our Rancho Cucamonga office at (909) 787-2515 to schedule a free consultation and talk through your options.
About the Author
JEFFREY FAYNGOR, ESQ.
Jeffrey Fayngor is the founder of Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer and an experienced personal injury attorney dedicated to representing accident victims. He earned his J.D. from Whittier College School of Law and has recovered over $120 million for injured clients. He has built his practice around helping injury victims protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.