A Baldwin Park police officer was killed and another seriously wounded in a shootout with a rifle-wielding suspect Saturday night, prompting a wave of grief across Southern California’s law enforcement community.
The fallen officer has been identified as Samuel Riveros, a nine-year veteran of the Baldwin Park Police Department. According to his LinkedIn page and statements from city leaders, Riveros was a dedicated public servant, an avid snowboarder, and a passionate Dodgers fan.
The deadly confrontation began about 7:15 p.m. in a neighborhood near the 4200 block of Filhurst Avenue, after officers responded to reports of a man firing a rifle in the street.
“When officers arrived, they were met by gunfire,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna during a Saturday night press conference.
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LA County Sheriff Robert Luna (left) and Baldwin Park Police Chief Robert Lopez (right) speak to press outside Los Angeles General Medical Center after a shooting in Baldwin Park leaving one police officer killed and another wounded on Sunday, June 1, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA. (Carlin Stiehl / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) -
Law enforcement work to investigate a shooting scene at 4200 Block Filhurst Avenue on Sunday, June 1, 2025 in Baldwin Park, CA, after the shooting left one officer dead and another wounded yesterday evening. (Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) -
Police officers cordon off an area near the site of a shooting in Baldwin Park on May 31, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Two officers were shot and injured Saturday while responding to a call in Baldwin Park on May 31. The shooting was reported in the 4200 block of Filhurst Avenue around 7:15 p.m., according to CHP. (Photo by I RYU/VCG via Getty Images) -
SWAT Team units are seen after two officers were hospitalized after being shot by a suspect in a Baldwin Park neighborhood on May 31, 2025. (Citizen) -
LOS ANGELES, CA – MAY 31: Police officers cordon off an area near the site of a shooting in Baldwin Park on May 31, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Two officers were shot and injured Saturday while responding to a call in Baldwin Park on May 31. The shooting was reported in the 4200 block of Filhurst Avenue around 7:15 p.m., according to CHP. (Photo by I RYU/VCG via Getty Images) -
Two officers were hospitalized after being shot by a suspect in a Baldwin Park neighborhood on May 31, 2025. (Citizen) -
Two officers were hospitalized after being shot by a suspect in a Baldwin Park neighborhood on May 31, 2025. (KNN) -
Two officers were hospitalized after being shot by a suspect in a Baldwin Park neighborhood on May 31, 2025. (RMG) -
An officer being airlifted to the USC Medical Center after being shot by a suspect in Baldwin Park on May 31, 2025. (@baldwinpark_) -
Two officers were hospitalized after being shot by a suspect in a Baldwin Park neighborhood on May 31, 2025. (Citizen) -
Two officers were hospitalized after being shot by a suspect in a Baldwin Park neighborhood on May 31, 2025. (RMG) -
Two officers were hospitalized after being shot by a suspect in a Baldwin Park neighborhood on May 31, 2025. (RMG) -
Two officers were hospitalized after being shot by a suspect in a Baldwin Park neighborhood on May 31, 2025. (KNN) -
Two officers were hospitalized after being shot by a suspect in a Baldwin Park neighborhood on May 31, 2025. (KNN) -
Two officers were hospitalized after being shot by a suspect in a Baldwin Park neighborhood on May 31, 2025. (RMG) -
Two officers were hospitalized after being shot by a suspect in a Baldwin Park neighborhood on May 31, 2025. (Citizen) -
Two officers were hospitalized after being shot by a suspect in a Baldwin Park neighborhood on May 31, 2025. (RMG) -
Two officers were hospitalized after being shot by a suspect in a Baldwin Park neighborhood on May 31, 2025. (KTLA) -
Two officers were hospitalized after being shot by a suspect in a Baldwin Park neighborhood on May 31, 2025. (Citizen) -
Two officers were hospitalized after being shot by a suspect in a Baldwin Park neighborhood on May 31, 2025. (KNN)
Both Riveros and a second officer were hit in the exchange. Riveros was airlifted to USC Medical Center, where he later died. The second officer, transported by ambulance, remains in stable condition and is expected to recover, according to L.A. County Fire Department officials.
Assemblymember Blanca Rubio confirmed Riveros’ identity Sunday morning, writing in a statement, “We thank you for your courage. You held in the deeply humbled decision you made to protect and serve the people of Baldwin Park. May you rest easy.”
Baldwin Park Police Chief Robert Lopez fought back tears at a press conference.
“Our officer was an amazing man,” Lopez said. “It’s extremely tragic to have to deal with this. I ask the community to remember the officers and deputies who go out there every day, making it safe for all of our families and residents.”
Authorities said officers returned fire, striking the gunman, who was also taken to the hospital and remains in stable condition. His name has not been released. Investigators say they also found a third person nearby who had suffered fatal gunshot wounds, possibly shot by the suspect before police arrived.
Witness video showed dozens of patrol cars, SWAT vehicles, and tactical officers descending on the neighborhood after the gunfight. Helicopters hovered overhead as officers aimed rifles at a home believed to be tied to the shooter.
A resident told KTLA he heard between 10 to 20 gunshots during the incident. Another resident’s windshield was shattered by gunfire, and others –- gathered for backyard parties and weekend get-togethers –- were seen on video frantically fleeing for cover.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau is leading the investigation. As of Sunday afternoon, no motive has been shared, and authorities have not confirmed early reports that a second suspect may have been involved.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
