He was the first officer in Baldwin Park’s history to be killed in the line of duty and the motive behind the sh**ting may have started over a parking spot, though investigators have not confirmed that account.
A Tragic First in Baldwin Park
Officer Samuel Riveros, a nine-year veteran of the Baldwin Park Police Department, was ki**ed in the line of duty earlier this Summer, the first such d**th in the department’s history. The 35-year-old officer was responding to a call about a man f*ring a rifle when he was amb*shed and sh*t upon arrival.
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The incident unfolded quickly: a man had allegedly sh*t and ki**ed another following a dispute, and when Riveros and his fellow officers arrived to assist, they came under immediate f*re.
“He would still run into that g*nfire. He would still take the bu**et,” said Detective Mark Berumen, who once patrolled alongside Riveros. “Without a doubt.”
The Scene Turns D**dly
The sh**ting began moments after officers pulled up, according to officials. Riveros arrived after two fellow officers, Anthony Pimentel and Alfredo Leal, were already on scene. Pimentel was injured by shattered glass from a bu**et strike. Riveros was fatally hit during the g*nfire exchange, while other officers returned fire and struck the suspect.
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Authorities said more than 40 rounds had been fired. Sheriff Robert Luna later said an “AR-15-style” w**pon and two high-capacity magazines were found near the sh**ter.
Who Was the Suspect?
The g*nman, a 22-year-old male, survived the sh**tout and has since been charged with two counts of first-degree m**der with special circumstances, along with other crimes. Officials say he was wounded during the exchange and is now in custody.
While investigators have yet to confirm the full motive, neighbors claim the shooter ki**ed 43-year-old Darius Wong, a man visiting family nearby, after a heated argument over a parking space. Wong’s relatives said he was attending a housewarming party when the a**ack occurred.
A Community Says Goodbye
Riveros was remembered during a memorial service at Toyota Arena in Ontario. Family members, friends, fellow officers, and community leaders came together to celebrate the life of a man described as selfless, loyal, and brave.
He is survived by his parents, siblings, niece, and nephews. A private burial followed the ceremony.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers from the community and our brothers and sisters in blue,” the department said in a statement. “Thank you for standing with us as we honor the memory of Officer Riveros.”