Suspect Charged In SGV Shooting That Killed Officer, Civilian

LOS ANGELES, CA — The man accused of fatally shooting a Baldwin Park police officer and another man, while also wounding a second officer, was charged Tuesday with two counts of murder and other offenses.

The charges against Eduardo Roberto Medina-Berumen, 22, include special circumstance allegations of multiple murders and murder of a peace officer that could open him up to a possible death sentence if convicted as charged. District Attorney Nathan Hochman said his office will decide later whether to seek capital punishment.

The murder charges stem from the Saturday gun battle that killed 35- year-old Officer Samuel Riveros — a nine-year department veteran — and 43- year-old Darius Wong, a father of two young daughters.

Medina-Berumen was also charged with two counts of attempted murder for shots fired at two other Baldwin Park police officers, along with possession of an assault rifle. District Attorney Nathan Hochman said said a .223-caliber assault pistol was found at the shooting scene with a 30-round magazine and 40 to 60 expended shell casings.

It was unclear when Medina-Berumen, who was injured in the gun battle and hospitalized, will appear in court. His bail was set at $4 million, but prosecutors will likely ask that he be held without bail when he eventually appears in court.

Riveros was a part of a response dispatched at about 7:15 p.m. Saturday to the 4200 block of Filhurst Avenue, a few blocks east of the San Gabriel River (605) Freeway, regarding a man with a rifle, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department reported.

A man with a gunshot wound to his upper body was located at the scene — later identified as Wong. He was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

"Officers contacted the suspect, were met with gunfire, and an officer-involved shooting occurred. Two Baldwin Park police officers were struck by gunfire," according to a sheriff's statement. "They were transported to a local hospital, where one officer was pronounced deceased and the second officer was injured, but in stable condition."

Baldwin Park city officials said late Sunday morning that the second officer, identified by the sheriff's department as Anthony Pimentel, was released from the hospital after receiving treatment. Pimentel was in attendance at the Tuesday news conference with Hochman when the criminal charges were announced.

Medina-Berumen remains hospitalized with stable vital signs, Sheriff Robert Luna said Tuesday.

Luna said an AR-15-style weapon was recovered at the scene, with two high-capacity magazines.

Ring cameras in the neighborhood recorded 11 shots fired at 7:16 p.m., followed by six additional shots at 7:26 p.m.

Riveros was described as an avid snowboarder and Dodgers fan who had watched the team play at stadiums across the nation. Riveros graduated from UC Irvine, Baldwin Park police Chief Robert Lopez said.

Since the shooting occurred, a memorial of flowers, photos and other items has continued to grow outside the Baldwin Park Police Department.

County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger on Monday directed that all county flags be lowered to half-staff in honor of Riveros. The flags will remain lowered until Riveros' funeral.

"This is a heartbreaking loss for our entire Los Angeles County community," Barger said in a statement. "Officer Samuel Riveros served with courage and commitment, and his ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. We honor his life, his service, and extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and fellow officers."

In a GoFundMe page established to help cover funeral expenses for Wong, his brother Victor Vuong said his sibling died "in the most innocent of ways — without truly knowing what was happening."

"He was a kind soul with so much more life ahead of him," Vuong wrote. "As we try to come to terms with this tragic loss, I'm asking for support to help cover funeral expenses and to give Darius the peaceful farewell he deserves. More importantly, we are also seeking justice for Darius. No one should have to experience what he went through, and we won't stop until the truth is known and accountability is found."

The page had raised more than $9,000 as of Tuesday afternoon.

On Sunday, Baldwin Park Mayor Alejandra Avila released a statement saying, "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.

"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."

Gov. Gavin Newsom and acting Gov. Eleni Kounalakis issued the following statement Sunday: "We mourn the tragic loss of one of California's brave law enforcement officers, who was killed in the line of duty while selflessly protecting the community. Our deepest condolences do out to Officer Riveros' family, loved ones, and colleagues. We share in the grief and honor his sacrifice made in service to the public's safety."

Anyone with information regarding the suspect or the shooting was urged to call the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous can call 800-222-8477 or go to lacrimestoppers.org.

City News Service