Police ID Officer Killed In Baldwin Park Shooting: Authorities

BALDWIN PARK, CA — Authorities have identified the officer who was fatally shot while on duty Saturday in Baldwin Park.

Officer Samuel Riveros was injured on the job around 7:15 p.m. in the 4200 block of Filhurst Avenue, authorities said. A civilian also died in connection with the incident, according to police.

Riveros and Officer Anthony Pimentel responded to a report of a man armed with a gun and a person lying unresponsive on the sidewalk, and were met with gunfire from the armed man immediately upon arrival, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Both were taken to a hospital, where Riveros died and Pimentel was in stable condition, authorities said. Baldwin Park city officials said late Sunday morning that Pimentel was released from the hospital after receiving treatment.

The armed man was shot in the exchange of gunfire, taken to a hospital and in stable condition, while the unresponsive man, who suffered gunshot wounds, was brought to the hospital as well, but died, according to the department, which noted a rifle was recovered from the scene.

At a press conference early Sunday morning published in full on YouTube by KTLA, Baldwin Park Chief of Police Robert López described Riveros, a nine-year veteran, as “an amazing man” who loved snowboarding and the Dodgers.

“It’s extremely tragic to have to deal with this,” López said.

Riveros' LinkedIn page says he attended Pasadena City College and UC Irvine.

"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,'' Baldwin Park Mayor Alejandra Avila said. "... 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.''

Sheriff Robert Luna characterized Riveros as a hero and said he expected the case would be considered a “double murder.”

The sheriff’s department homicide bureau is leading the investigation, the agency said.

City News Service contributed to this story.