2 Baldwin Park police officers involved in fatal shootout with murder suspect identified

BALDWIN PARK, Calif. (KABC) -- The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department identified the Baldwin Park police officer killed in a shootout with a murder suspect Saturday evening as 35-year-old Officer Samuel Riveros. Neighbors tell Eyewitness News it may have all started with an argument over a parking space.

The second police officer injured in the fatal shootout, identified as Officer Anthony Pimentel, has been released from the hospital after receiving treatment, officials said.

A procession was held overnight for Officer Riveros.

In a post on social media, Baldwin Park police said Riveros began his service as a public safety trainee on April 3, 2016, and was sworn in as a police officer on September 11, 2016. He was later selected for the SWAT team on July 1, 2019, where he served for over five years. Most recently, he was appointed as a field training officer on July 21, 2024.

"A proud UC Irvine graduate, Officer Samuel Riveros was known not only for his tactical skills and professionalism, but for his love of snowboarding and his unwavering loyalty to the Los Angeles Dodgers. His legacy will live on through the lives he touched and the example he set," Chief Robert A. López said in a statement.

"This man was working for the community, and he lost his life like that because of an idiot with a rifle. It's not cool. It's not cool at all," said John Manrique, who visited a growing memorial for Riveros at the Baldwin Park police station. Riveros' patrol vehicle was parked at the memorial, surrounded by flowers and candles left by visitors.

Community members say he always had a smile on his face and played an active part in the fabric of Baldwin Park.

"Stuff like this is not going to bring us down or break us down. We gotta continue and just show support to the officers," said Javier Vargas, who also visited the memorial. "Let the law enforcement know that we're behind them and support them in whatever they need. Just by coming out and placing flowers for the officer and having them here for the law enforcement to see that the community is out here, I think that will not make it easier, but give them some hope that the community is behind them."

California Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered flags be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space in honor of Riveros.

The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department said Baldwin Park police responded to a call about gunshots and a person down at 7:12 p.m. at a residence in the 4200 block of Filhurst Avenue.

The call indicated that there was a person shooting rounds with a rifle at the scene.

When officers arrived, they were met by gunfire, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said. The two officers were struck and transported to L.A. General Medical Center in Lincoln Heights. Riveros was pronounced dead, while Pimentel was in stable condition.

"When danger erupted last night and the call went out for help, it was our Baldwin Park Police Officers who responded without hesitation, reflecting the best of bravery and conviction to serve. On behalf of our council and city hall staff, I offer our sincerest condolences to the victims, our Baldwin Park police department community and the families of those affected by this violence," said Baldwin Park Mayor Alejandra Avila. "Last night was a night of tragedy for our community. Many in our community have been affected by these crimes, and I ask that you embrace your officers and neighbors, support them in their time of need and show one another the best of Baldwin Park."

A third victim was found dead in the front yard of the address where the suspect was located, possibly shot by the suspect, police said. Further details about the male victim found at the scene were not immediately available.

Officers at the scene returned fire, shooting the suspect. He was taken into custody and to a local hospital in stable condition. The sheriff's department has yet to identify the suspect.

"There's victims, and that's what's hurting me. My son, he's definitely going through something," the suspect's mother told Eyewitness News off-camera.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is taking the primary lead on the investigation.

Neighbors told Eyewitness News that the shooting may have been sparked by an argument over a parking spot.

"One of the neighbors was having a housewarming party. The new neighbors across the street," said Esther, who lives in the neighborhood. "So the guy, the shooter, came out and told, apparently, the guy that was parking there, 'You cannot park there.' And the guy still parked there, and that's what started the whole process."

Investigators have not released details on the official cause of the shooting.

In a Ring camera video obtained by ABC7, more than a dozen gunshots could be heard that went on for more than 10 seconds.

"It sounded like fireworks, like strobe rockets or something, just going off constantly back and forth," one neighbor said. "I thought it was just fireworks, but then you hear patrol cars from everywhere, coming in, swarming."

"I was watching the Dodger game and heard the helicopter really low. It was crazy. I walked outside and there was all kinds of cop cars flying down the street," said area resident Edson Chavez.

Another Ring camera video shows the moments the civilian who was killed ran for his life and was gunned down.

"I guess he ran through the middle and he came, worked his way over here, and he fell right there," said neighbor Norma Lemus. "So when I came over here to see, he was already on the ground, and that's all I saw."

The video then shows police officers returning shots with the gunman, as the man lies dying on the sidewalk.

"I was in shock, and I still am, you know, it's not something you see every day," Lemus said. "I just felt sorry for him."

A memorial has been placed where the civilian died. The suspect is expected to face murder charges in both deaths.