Rodrigo's Restaurant Worker Shot And Killed Walking Home From Work

RIVERSIDE, CA — A Rodrigo's Mexican Grill employee was gunned down on his way home from work over the weekend, Riverside Police say. One man has been arrested on suspicion of pulling the trigger.

Andre Devin Thomas, 23, of Riverside, was identified as a suspect and arrested. He was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center for murder and is being held in lieu of $1 million bail.

Saturday at around 10:10 p.m., Riverside Police Officers responded to reports of a shooting near Hole Avenue and Mitchell Avenue, located in the La Sierra neighborhood of Riverside, according to Officer Ryan Railsback.

Upon their arrival, officers discovered an unresponsive adult male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. "Firefighter-Paramedics with the Riverside Fire Department treated the victim, and he was taken to a local hospital, where he died a short time later," Railsback said.

A neighbor witnessed the suspect, later identified as Thomas, running through a yard and discarding a firearm, according to Railsback. Officers quickly located and detained Thomas and recovered the discarded handgun nearby.

Detectives assigned to the Robbery-Homicide Unit and specialists from the Forensics Unit responded to assume the investigation.

The Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office has assisted them. The victim has been identified as 41-year-old David Abarca of Riverside.

"Mr. Abarca stayed late at work that night, missing his usual ride home and walking instead," Railsback said of the preliminary investigation. "As he neared Hole Avenue and Mitchell Avenue, the suspect approached Mr. Abarca and suddenly shot him without provocation."

Detectives say there is no indication the two knew each other.

Mr. Abarca leaves behind a 10-year-old son and had been a dedicated employee at Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill in Riverside for nearly 25 years. The Abarca family has launched a GoFundMe to help with the family and share about their family member's death. Already, over $5,300 has been raised toward his funeral.

"David was known for his cheerful disposition and unwavering positivity, always demonstrating a strong work ethic. One of his greatest joys was watching baseball, and his kindness touched the hearts of many. He will be profoundly missed by his family and friends. We kindly ask that you keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. If you feel compelled to assist in honoring our dear friend David's memory, any donations to help lay him to rest would be greatly appreciated by his family. Thank you for taking the time to read this tribute."

Riverside Police Chief Larry Gonzalez spoke of the incident, describing the victim and the loss to his family.

“This was a senseless act of violence that took the life of a hardworking father, and our hearts go out to Mr. Abarca’s family and loved ones,” stated Riverside Police Chief Larry Gonzalez. "I commend our officers for their swift response in capturing the suspect, and our detectives and forensic specialists for their diligent work. We remain committed to seeking justice for Mr. Abarca."

This investigation remains ongoing, and no further details are available at this time. Anyone with additional information should contact Detective Anthony Watkins at (951) 353-7105 or AWatkins@RiversideCA.gov, or Detective Richard Glover at (951) 353-7134 or RGlover@RiversideCA.gov.

For anonymous tips, the Riverside Police Department’s "Atlas 1" mobile app offers a secure "Send a Message" feature. The app is available for download both APPLE and ANDROID devices.