Tragedy in Baldwin Park: One Officer Killed, One Wounded, and Another Person Dead in Los Angeles County Shooting

BALDWIN PARK, Calif. — A devastating shooting in Baldwin Park, a city east of Los Angeles, claimed the lives of a Baldwin Park police officer and a civilian, while leaving another officer wounded, authorities confirmed Sunday. The incident, which unfolded Saturday evening, has left the local law enforcement community in mourning and prompted a double homicide investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD).

According to the LASD, Baldwin Park police officers responded to reports of a man firing a rifle in a residential neighborhood near the 4200 block of Filhurst Avenue at approximately 7:12 p.m. Pacific Time on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Upon arrival, the officers were immediately met with gunfire from a suspect, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna stated during a midnight press conference. The suspect allegedly opened fire without warning, striking both officers.

One officer, identified Sunday as Samuel “Sam” Riveros, a 35-year-old nine-year veteran of the Baldwin Park Police Department, was fatally wounded. He was rushed to Los Angeles General Medical Center in Lincoln Heights, where he was pronounced dead, according to the LASD and medical examiner’s records. The second officer, whose name has not been released, was also shot but is reported to be in good condition and recovering with family, Baldwin Park Police Chief Robert López said during a news conference.

In addition to the officer’s death, a man was found dead on a sidewalk outside a home in the same neighborhood, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds, Sheriff Luna reported. The identity of the civilian has been withheld pending notification of next of kin. Authorities believe the suspect in custody may be connected to both deaths, and the LASD is investigating the incident as a double homicide. The weapon used in the shooting has been recovered, though details about the number of shots fired remain unclear, officials said.

“It’s extremely tragic to have to deal with this,” Chief López said, visibly emotional as he described Officer Riveros as an “amazing man” who loved snowboarding and traveled across the United States to attend Dodger games. “Our hearts are with Baldwin Park PD as they mourn a beloved colleague, and prayers for his wounded colleague. We stand with you during this time of profound grief,” the LASD added in a statement.

The suspect was taken into custody, though their identity has not been publicly disclosed. Sheriff Luna indicated that the individual is believed to be involved in the killing of both the officer and the civilian found at the scene. The motive and circumstances leading to the shootout remain under investigation.

This tragic event marks a somber moment for the Baldwin Park community and law enforcement across Los Angeles County. A procession was held overnight to honor Officer Riveros, with tributes pouring in from colleagues and residents alike.

The LASD urges anyone with information to contact their Homicide Bureau as the investigation continues. The incident underscores the dangers faced by law enforcement officers daily, with Sheriff Luna noting, “These officers, they didn’t hesitate. They get a dispatch, somebody may need help, there’s shots fired, they go right over there without hesitation.”

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