A San Bernardino County, CA, sheriff’s deputy was shot and killed Monday while trying to track down a motorcyclist who led authorities on a pursuit in Yucca Valley before running into the desert, sheriff’s officials said.

Deputies were conducting patrol near just after 12:30 p.m., when they tried to pull over a motorcycle for not having a license plate, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

But the motorcyclist refused to stop, leading officials on a chase, officials say.

The motorcyclist eventually fled on foot into the desert. While searching for him, Sgt. Dominic Vaca was shot, the department said. The 47-year-old sergeant was airlifted to a hospital where he died, KTLA reports.

“The suspect shot at the responding deputies and the deputies returned fire,” the department said. The suspect, who has not been identified, was then pronounced dead at the scene.