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.
Crime
Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton Injured in Deadly Mississippi Crash, Mother Confirms He Is Alive and Safe
DESOTO COUNTY, Mississippi — Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton was injured in a deadly two-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 61 in DeSoto County, Mississippi, but his mother has confirmed that he is alive, safe and recovering following the crash.
Burton, 27, of Memphis, Tennessee, was driving a Dodge Durango involved in the collision shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of U.S. Highway 61 and Church Road in Walls.
The crash claimed the lives of three people traveling in a Honda Accord. The incident also left another passenger injured and involved employees of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Detention Center.
Following the crash, misinformation circulated online suggesting that Burton had died and that he was a juvenile detention officer.
His mother, Tee Burton, publicly addressed the reports, firmly correcting the information and asking people to stop sharing unverified claims.
She confirmed that her son is alive, safe and okay. She also emphasized that he is not a juvenile detention officer.
In her statement, she expressed disappointment over reports falsely identifying her son as one of the people who died in the collision.
She also acknowledged the families who lost loved ones and urged the public to show compassion toward everyone affected by the tragedy.
Her statement included the following message:
“My son is alive!!! He is safe, and he is okay!!!”
She further asked people to verify information before publishing or reposting details that could cause unnecessary emotional distress to families.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, a northbound Dodge Durango traveling on U.S. Highway 61 collided with a westbound Honda Accord traveling on Church Road.
Three occupants of the Honda were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the victims as:
- Latasha N. Dodson, 37, of Horn Lake, Mississippi, the Honda driver.
- Eddie L. Dodson Jr., 41, of Byhalia, Mississippi.
- Tamenshia R. Ford, 32, of Horn Lake, Mississippi.
Burton and another passenger in the Honda survived the collision but sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Their specific medical conditions have not been publicly detailed in the information provided.
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two people involved in the crash were employees of its Juvenile Detention Center.
One of those employees was Tamenshia R. Ford, who died in the collision. The second employee was seriously injured.
Sheriff Thomas E. Tuggle II expressed condolences following the death of the employee, describing the person as a respected and beloved member of the department.
“Our fallen officer was a respected and beloved member of our team,” Tuggle said.
The sheriff’s office also recognized the employee’s dedication, compassion and commitment to working with young people entrusted to the facility’s care.
State officials confirmed that the Dodge Durango involved in the collision belonged to the Walls Police Department.
The city’s mayor and police chief also confirmed that a Walls police officer was involved in the crash. Burton’s mother has since clarified that her son is the officer and that he survived.
An SUV displaying Walls Police Department identification was seen being towed from the crash scene Wednesday night.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the fatal collision.
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not released additional details about what led to the vehicles colliding.
The crash resulted in three deaths and left multiple people injured. Burton’s family has asked the public to respect the victims and their loved ones while avoiding the spread of false information.
The investigation remains ongoing.