BALDWIN PARK, CA - A California community and police force are mourning the death of a police officer after a rifle-wielding man fatally shot the officer and wounded another.
One suspect, according to NBC News, has been taken into custody after a shooting that happened in Baldwin Park, California, on Saturday night, May 31st. Authorities with the Baldwin Park Police Department (BPPD) and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said that officers responded to a call of gunshots and an individual down shortly after 7:00 p.m. at the 4200 block of Filhurst Avenue. The call indicated that someone was firing off rounds with a rifle.
A second victim, an unidentified male, was found dead at the scene of what officials are calling a "double murder." Sheriff Robert Luna said that the LAPD is taking the primary lead in the investigation and believe that detectives have recovered the weapon that was used.
Luna said that an adult male suspect is believed to be the person behind the shootings of both the officer and the victim found at the scene. Luna said that the suspect is believed to have shot at officers first and then was struck by gunfire. CBS News reported that during a press conference Luna said, "When they arrived, they were met by gunfire. The call did indicate that there was an individual that was shooting rounds with a rifle, we're still trying ... to determine exactly what that was."
The unidentified suspect was later transported to a nearby hospital in stable condition. The other officer who responded to the scene and was injured has been hospitalized and remains in stable condition.
The officer that lost his life has yet to be identified, however, BPPD Chief Robert Lopez said, "He answered the call of duty of shots fired to protect our residents in Baldwin Park. He and his other officer responded and as is customary with any police officer, or any sheriff's deputy, they always respond and go into the fire. That's what he did tonight. Tragically, he lost his life."
Lopez added that the officer was "an amazing man," and an avid Dodgers fan and snowboarder. The chief said, "It's extremely tragic to have to deal with this. I ask for your prayers, I ask for the community to remember the officers and the deputies that go out there every day to push the black and white, making it safe for all of our families, our residents, and the community as well."
The scene where the shooting happened remained active for hours as dozens of officers, including some SWAT personnel with two BearCats, could be seen outside of some homes in the area with guns drawn. Dozens of evidence markers could be seen in the area where the police investigation remained ongoing throughout the night.
ABC7 reported that a Ring doorbell camera near the scene of the tragic event captured the moments when shots rang out. More than a dozen gunshots could be heard that went on for more than 10 seconds. Neighbors in the area described the chaotic event as a frightening scene. One neighbor said, "It sounded like fireworks, like strobe rockets or something, just going off constantly back and forth. I thought it was just fireworks, but then you hear patrol cars from everywhere, coming in, swarming."
One suspect, according to NBC News, has been taken into custody after a shooting that happened in Baldwin Park, California, on Saturday night, May 31st. Authorities with the Baldwin Park Police Department (BPPD) and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said that officers responded to a call of gunshots and an individual down shortly after 7:00 p.m. at the 4200 block of Filhurst Avenue. The call indicated that someone was firing off rounds with a rifle.
A second victim, an unidentified male, was found dead at the scene of what officials are calling a "double murder." Sheriff Robert Luna said that the LAPD is taking the primary lead in the investigation and believe that detectives have recovered the weapon that was used.
Luna said that an adult male suspect is believed to be the person behind the shootings of both the officer and the victim found at the scene. Luna said that the suspect is believed to have shot at officers first and then was struck by gunfire. CBS News reported that during a press conference Luna said, "When they arrived, they were met by gunfire. The call did indicate that there was an individual that was shooting rounds with a rifle, we're still trying ... to determine exactly what that was."
The unidentified suspect was later transported to a nearby hospital in stable condition. The other officer who responded to the scene and was injured has been hospitalized and remains in stable condition.
The officer that lost his life has yet to be identified, however, BPPD Chief Robert Lopez said, "He answered the call of duty of shots fired to protect our residents in Baldwin Park. He and his other officer responded and as is customary with any police officer, or any sheriff's deputy, they always respond and go into the fire. That's what he did tonight. Tragically, he lost his life."
Lopez added that the officer was "an amazing man," and an avid Dodgers fan and snowboarder. The chief said, "It's extremely tragic to have to deal with this. I ask for your prayers, I ask for the community to remember the officers and the deputies that go out there every day to push the black and white, making it safe for all of our families, our residents, and the community as well."
The scene where the shooting happened remained active for hours as dozens of officers, including some SWAT personnel with two BearCats, could be seen outside of some homes in the area with guns drawn. Dozens of evidence markers could be seen in the area where the police investigation remained ongoing throughout the night.
ABC7 reported that a Ring doorbell camera near the scene of the tragic event captured the moments when shots rang out. More than a dozen gunshots could be heard that went on for more than 10 seconds. Neighbors in the area described the chaotic event as a frightening scene. One neighbor said, "It sounded like fireworks, like strobe rockets or something, just going off constantly back and forth. I thought it was just fireworks, but then you hear patrol cars from everywhere, coming in, swarming."
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