Crime
Baldwin Park Police Officer Killed in the Line of Duty Identified as Samuel Riveros
Authorities have identified the Baldwin Park police officer who was tragically killed in the line of duty on Saturday night as Officer Samuel Riveros, a 9-year veteran of the department.
The deadly incident occurred during a shootout with a suspect in a residential neighborhood in Baldwin Park.
At approximately 7:21 p.m., officers responded to reports of a man firing a rifle in the 4200 block of Filhurst Avenue.
Upon arrival, officers immediately came under fire.
โWhen officers arrived, they were met by gunfire,โ Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna stated during a press conference late Saturday night.
Officer Riveros and a second officer were both struck by gunfire. The Los Angeles County Fire Department confirmed that one officer was transported by ambulance, while the other was airlifted to USC Medical Center.
Despite life-saving efforts, Officer Riveros succumbed to his injuries. The second officer remains hospitalized in stable condition, surrounded by family.
Law enforcement returned fire during the exchange, striking the suspect. The individual was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital, where he remains in stable condition.
In a tragic development, a second victim was also discovered at the scene, suffering from fatal gunshot wounds.
Authorities believe the deceased individual may have been killed by the same suspect prior to the officersโ arrival.
The identity of the suspect has not yet been released, and investigators have not confirmed initial reports suggesting a second suspect may have been involved.
Surveillance footage from the area shows neighbors and partygoers fleeing in panic as gunfire erupted. One resident described the chaos as โunreal,โ noting his car windshield was shattered in the crossfire.
Large crowds gathered near the scene following the incident, and local streets were cordoned off as law enforcement continued their investigation.
Officers and deputies remained in the neighborhood through the night.
Baldwin Park Police Chief Robert Lopez described Officer Riveros as โan amazing man,โ adding that his death was โextremely tragicโ for the department and the community.
โI 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,โ Chief Lopez said.
The Los Angeles County Sheriffโs Department is leading the ongoing investigation.
Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) is investigating a series of shootings that occurred Wednesday night in Pahokee, culminating in a deputy-involved shooting.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSOโs Violent Crimes Division are conducting parallel and joint reviews of the incident.
According to authorities, the violence began on Wednesday, February 25, at approximately 10:12 p.m., when 44-year-old Charles McCloud Jr. allegedly initiated a series of shootings at multiple locations throughout Pahokee over a roughly 40-minute span.
First Shooting โ 171 Booker Place (10:12 p.m.)
McCloud allegedly shot two adult males at a residence located at 171 Booker Place.
Both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Second Shooting โ 8700 Block of Doveland Drive
Shortly afterward, multiple gunshots were reported in the 8700 block of Doveland Drive.
Although several rounds were fired, authorities confirmed that no individuals were struck during this incident.
Third Shooting โ 750 Belle Glade Road
The third shooting occurred at a convenience store located at 750 Belle Glade Road.
An adult male was shot during this incident and transported for medical treatment. Officials report the victim is expected to survive.
While responding to the reported gunfire on Doveland Drive and conducting a preliminary investigation, a PBSO deputy was securing the area with crime scene tape when McCloud allegedly drove a black GMC SUV directly at the deputy.
Authorities state that McCloud struck the deputy with the vehicle, pushing him approximately 40 feet. After exiting the SUV armed with a firearm, McCloud allegedly attempted to shoot the injured deputy.
In response, the deputy discharged his service weapon, striking McCloud. A second PBSO deputy also discharged his firearm during the encounter. McCloud was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The injured deputy sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at St. Maryโs Medical Center.
According to PBSO, Charles McCloud Jr. had an extensive criminal history, including prior charges for Riot, Resisting an Officer with Violence, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Narcotics Equipment/Possession, and Escape or Attempted Escape from a county facility.
In accordance with standard agency policy, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The FDLE, the Palm Beach County State Attorneyโs Office, and PBSOโs Violent Crimes Division continue to actively investigate all aspects of the shootings, including the deputy-involved use of force.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.