Crime
Video Shows Moments Baldwin Park Police Officer Killed in the Line of Duty
BALDWIN PARK, CA — A Baldwin Park police officer was fatally shot and another wounded during a confrontation with a suspected gunman on Saturday evening.
The incident, which unfolded in a residential neighborhood, is now being investigated as a double homicide, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
At a press conference held shortly after midnight, law enforcement officials detailed the series of events that began around 7:12 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, when Baldwin Park Police responded to reports of gunfire and a person down at a home in the 4200 block of Filhurst Avenue.
Callers indicated that an individual armed with a rifle was actively shooting at the scene.
Upon arriving, officers were immediately met with gunfire. Two Baldwin Park officers were struck and rushed to L.A. General Medical Center in Lincoln Heights.
One of the officers succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The second officer remains hospitalized in stable condition and is surrounded by his family.
“Our officer was an amazing man. He was an avid snowboarder, a Dodger fan,” said Baldwin Park Police Chief Robert López. “It’s extremely tragic to have to deal with this. I ask for your prayers.”
Authorities are withholding the names of the officers involved until their families are fully notified.
Officers at the scene returned fire, striking the suspect, who was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital.
He is currently listed in stable condition. Officials have not disclosed how many officers discharged their weapons.
In addition to the fallen officer, a second deceased male was discovered at the residence with apparent gunshot wounds.
Investigators believe the same suspect is responsible for both deaths.
Details regarding the second victim have not yet been released, and the suspect’s identity remains undisclosed as the investigation progresses.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic and frightening scene, with the sound of rapid gunfire echoing through the neighborhood.
“It sounded like fireworks, like strobe rockets or something, just going off constantly back and forth,” said a neighbor. “I thought it was just fireworks, but then you hear patrol cars from everywhere, coming in, swarming.”
“It was crazy. I walked outside and there were all kinds of cop cars flying down the street,” added neighbor Edson Chavez.
Video captured by nearby residents reveals the intensity of the shootout, with dozens of officers, deputies, SWAT members, paramedics, and firefighters converging on the area.
The entire neighborhood was cordoned off, and a large crowd of onlookers gathered nearby.
Chief López, visibly emotional, reflected on the sacrifice made by his department.
“It’s extremely tragic. 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.”
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau is leading the investigation.
At this time, there are unconfirmed reports that a second suspect may have been involved, but authorities have not verified that information.
This remains an active investigation. Additional updates will be provided as they become available.
Authorities have identified the man shot and killed Friday afternoon in a parking lot outside a Little Caesars restaurant in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood.
The victim has been named as Stevens Jeffrey, 29, according to police and the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The shooting occurred in the 2600 block of West Cermak Road near Rockwell Street at approximately 1:10 p.m., according to the Chicago Police Department (CPD).
Preliminary reports indicate that Jeffrey was sitting in his vehicle when he was approached by an unknown vehicle.
An armed individual exited that vehicle and opened fire, striking Jeffrey multiple times in the face and body.
Emergency responders arrived on the scene, where Jeffrey was pronounced dead. He was discovered inside his vehicle with his two young children, ages 4 and 6, who were unharmed.
Both children were transported to Stroger Hospital for precautionary evaluation.
The shooting took place in the parking lot of a Little Caesars restaurant, where investigators recovered multiple shell casings and placed numerous evidence markers on the ground.
As of Friday evening, no suspects are in custody, and detectives from the CPD Area Four Homicide Unit are leading the investigation. Police have not released information on a possible motive.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about this homicide to contact Chicago Police or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTip.com.