BALDWIN PARK, CA - A police officer with the Baldwin Park Police Department (BPPD) was fatally shot and another officer was seriously wounded in a shootout with a rifle-wielding madman during the evening hours on Saturday, May 31st.
KTLA5 has reported that the fallen officer has been identified as Samuel Riveros, a nine-year veteran of BPPD. His sudden loss has prompted a wave of grief across Southern California's law enforcement community. City leaders described Riveros as a dedicated public servant, avid snowboarder, and a passionate Dodgers fan.
During a press conference after the deadly incident, BPPD Chief Robert Lopez fought back tears as he spoke, saying, "Our officer was an amazing man. It's extremely tragic to have to deal with this. I ask the community to remember the officers and deputies who go out there every day, making it safe for all of our families and residents."
Assemblymember Blanca Rubio confirmed Riveros' identity Sunday morning, June 1st, writing in a statement, "We thank you for the courage you held in the deeply humbled decision you made to protect and serve the people of Baldwin Park. May you rest easy." NBC4 reported that the injured officer has also been identified as Anthony Pimentel, who has since been released from the hospital.
Upon arriving on scene, both officers were met with gunfire by the armed suspect, who has still yet to be publicly identified. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said, "These officers, they didn't hesitate. They get a dispatch, somebody may need help, there's shots fired, they go right over there without hesitation. That's what these men and women do every day."
The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department (LASD) said that Riveros loss will be "profoundly felt" by the Baldwin Park community and "law enforcement family." LASD's statement read, "This is a heartbreaking and deeply devastating tragedy. Officer Riveros made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his community.
He, along with Officer Pimentel and their fellow officers, bravely responded to a dangerous call, fully aware of the risks involved. Officer Riveros gave his life in service to others, a profound testament to his unwavering dedication to duty and selfless courage."
California State Senator Susan Rubio released her own statement saying in part: "Today, I am heartbroken. This is not just about losing a police officer in our state — it's about losing our officer — in my city, in my community, and within my extended family. To me, this department has never been just patches and uniforms. These are my friends. And today, we've lost one of our own".
"Officer Samuel Riveros was more than a badge. He was a dedicated public servant, a brave soul who gave his life to keep others safe," Sen. Rubio went on to say.
"My thoughts and prayers remain," she continued, "with the other officer who was also injured and will need our support in the days and weeks ahead. To the family of Officer Riveros: your grief is shared by an entire community. We are with you, and Officer Riveros' heroism will never be forgotten."
"Baldwin Park is grieving", the Senator continued, "but we will rise together. We will honor our fallen hero not only with words, but with action — with a renewed commitment to protect those who protect us, and to never forget those who gave everything to keep us safe."
KTLA5 has reported that the fallen officer has been identified as Samuel Riveros, a nine-year veteran of BPPD. His sudden loss has prompted a wave of grief across Southern California's law enforcement community. City leaders described Riveros as a dedicated public servant, avid snowboarder, and a passionate Dodgers fan.
During a press conference after the deadly incident, BPPD Chief Robert Lopez fought back tears as he spoke, saying, "Our officer was an amazing man. It's extremely tragic to have to deal with this. I ask the community to remember the officers and deputies who go out there every day, making it safe for all of our families and residents."
Assemblymember Blanca Rubio confirmed Riveros' identity Sunday morning, June 1st, writing in a statement, "We thank you for the courage you held in the deeply humbled decision you made to protect and serve the people of Baldwin Park. May you rest easy." NBC4 reported that the injured officer has also been identified as Anthony Pimentel, who has since been released from the hospital.
Upon arriving on scene, both officers were met with gunfire by the armed suspect, who has still yet to be publicly identified. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said, "These officers, they didn't hesitate. They get a dispatch, somebody may need help, there's shots fired, they go right over there without hesitation. That's what these men and women do every day."
The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department (LASD) said that Riveros loss will be "profoundly felt" by the Baldwin Park community and "law enforcement family." LASD's statement read, "This is a heartbreaking and deeply devastating tragedy. Officer Riveros made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his community.
He, along with Officer Pimentel and their fellow officers, bravely responded to a dangerous call, fully aware of the risks involved. Officer Riveros gave his life in service to others, a profound testament to his unwavering dedication to duty and selfless courage."
California State Senator Susan Rubio released her own statement saying in part: "Today, I am heartbroken. This is not just about losing a police officer in our state — it's about losing our officer — in my city, in my community, and within my extended family. To me, this department has never been just patches and uniforms. These are my friends. And today, we've lost one of our own".
"Officer Samuel Riveros was more than a badge. He was a dedicated public servant, a brave soul who gave his life to keep others safe," Sen. Rubio went on to say.
"My thoughts and prayers remain," she continued, "with the other officer who was also injured and will need our support in the days and weeks ahead. To the family of Officer Riveros: your grief is shared by an entire community. We are with you, and Officer Riveros' heroism will never be forgotten."
"Baldwin Park is grieving", the Senator continued, "but we will rise together. We will honor our fallen hero not only with words, but with action — with a renewed commitment to protect those who protect us, and to never forget those who gave everything to keep us safe."
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