Photo: Baldwin Park Police Department
A tragic shootout in Baldwin Park on Saturday night claimed the life of Officer Samuel Riveros, a dedicated nine-year veteran of the Baldwin Park Police Department. Officer Riveros, 35, was killed in a gunfight with a rifle-wielding suspect. Another officer, Anthony Pimentel, was seriously wounded but has since been released from the hospital.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, officers responded to reports of gunfire on Filhurst Avenue, where they encountered the suspect. The suspect opened fire, resulting in a deadly exchange. Officer Riveros was pronounced dead at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center. A civilian was also found dead at the scene, possibly shot by the suspect, who was taken into custody and is expected to face murder charges for both deaths.
Officer Riveros was known for his love of the Dodgers and snowboarding. He had studied criminology at UC Irvine, where he played lacrosse and mentored youth. Baldwin Park Police Chief Robert A. López expressed profound grief over the loss, stating, "Officer Riveros gave his life in service to others, a profound testament to his unwavering dedication to duty and selfless courage."
The shooting has left the Baldwin Park community in mourning, with a growing memorial of flowers and candles outside the police station. The suspect's identity has not been released, and the investigation is ongoing, led by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Neighbors reported that the incident may have stemmed from a dispute over a parking spot.