A Baldwin Park police officer and another man were killed and a second officer was injured Saturday evening by a suspected gunman with a rifle who also was wounded and taken into custody, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna announced on Sunday.
Samuel Riveros, 35, died after he and the other officer responding to a call in a residential neighborhood were immediately fired on, authorities said.
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Riveros, a nine-year veteran of the police force, had been selected for the department’s SWAT team in July 2019 and was appointed as a field training officer last year, the Baldwin Park Police Department said in a news release.
The initial shooting the officers were called to — for “shots fired” — also left a civilian dead. He was described only as a man; his name was not released pending notification of family.
The second officer who responded to the call, Anthony Pimentel, survived his gunshot wounds and was treated at a hospital and released on Sunday, police officials said.
When the officers arrived at the scene of the call on Saturday evening, Luna said, “They were met by gunfire. The call was about an individual who was shooting rounds from a rifle.”
The shooting happened in the 4200 block of Filhurst Avenue. After police arrived, more than a dozen gunshots could be heard for more than 10 seconds, ABC7 reported, citing a Ring doorbell camera nearby.
“I have the tragic duty to advise that one of our officers was murdered tonight,” Baldwin Park Police Chief Robert López said during a midnight news conference. “Our officer was an amazing man. It’s extremely tragic to have to deal with this.”
Baldwin Park Police Officer Samuel Riveros (Courtesy photo)
A UC Irvine graduate, Riveros had a passion for snowboarding and traveled to ballparks across the country to watch the Los Angeles Dodgers play, Baldwin Park police said in the news release.
“His career progression from trainee to SWAT officer to field training officer demonstrated his commitment to excellence and his dedication to mentoring fellow officers,” the release said.
Riveros died after being rushed to Los Angeles General Medical Center, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s records show.
The sheriff’s department has taken the lead in the investigation, Luna said at a news conference at the hospital.
He said the officers had been dispatched at 7:12 p.m. to a report of gunshots and a person down, adding, “They did not hesitate.”
The suspect, a man, was shot by responding officers and was transported and hospitalized in custody. It wasn’t immediately known if the suspect was shot by the two officers who initially were shot, or by other officers who had responded. His identity was not released as of late Sunday afternoon.
Luna said the weapon was recovered at the scene of the shooting.
News video from the scene on Saturday night showed a large law enforcement presence, including SWAT officers and armored vehicles, in the residential neighborhood in the area of Filhurst, Palm and Harlan avenues. The area is east of the 605 Freeway and north of the 10 Freeway.
The windshield of a resident’s car was shattered by gunfire, leaving the resident shocked when he realized there was a shootout, KTLA reported.
Besides the Baldwin Park Police Department and the Sheriff’s Department, responding agencies included the California Highway Patrol and police departments from nearby cities.
Sheriff’s homicide deputies were going door to door early Sunday, interviewing nearby residents and trying to piece together exactly what happened.
Palm Avenue at Filhurst is blocked off on Sunday, June 1, 2025, as authorities investigate the scene where a Baldwin Park police officer and a man were killed and another officer was injured. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Residents described a chaotic scene.
“It sounded like fireworks, like strobe rockets or something, just going off constantly back and forth,” one neighbor told ABC7. “I thought it was just fireworks, but then you hear patrol cars from everywhere, coming in, swarming.”
Baldwin Park resident Laila Aguilar was driving on Harlan Avenue when she heard the gunshots. The 19-year-old saw five or six police SUVs filling Palm Avenue. Filhurst Avenue was blocked off, as were other areas.
Once at home, she saw a SWAT vehicle pass by. Then she saw an officer being pulled out of an SUV.
“He already looked unconscious,” she said.
A memorial of flowers, cards, candles and religious artifacts grows outside the Baldwin Park police station on Sunday, June 1, 2025, after a Baldwin Park police officer and a man were killed and another officer was injured. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
A memorial grew Sunday as people left flowers, candles and a figure of San Miguel in front of the building that houses City Hall and the Police Department.
One bouquet included the message, “Our hearts (go out) to the family of Samuel Riveros.”
Dorothy Gonzalez and Reyna Gonzalez of El Monte brought a bouquet and a candle. She was there to pay her respects to the fallen officer and the police department, Dorothy Gonzalez said. Her son, Erick Gonzalez, is a deputy with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, and Reyna Gonzalez’s son is a firefighter.
Dorothy Gonzalez said the brotherhood of law enforcement is a tight group.
“This is not just a co-worker but a family member,” she said. “My heart is real heavy today to know his mother and family will bury him.”
Longtime Baldwin Park residents Gustavo and Laura Trujillo also brought flowers. “It’s sad,” Laura Trujillo said. “As long as I’ve lived here, we’d never had an officer pass away.”
Riveros is survived by his mother and sister, Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a news release. In his honor, flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will be flown at half-staff, the governor said.
Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio, D-West Covina, wrote on social media to Riveros:
“Thank you for the courage you held and the deeply humble decision you made to protect and serve the people of Baldwin Park, may you rest easy. The sacrifices these officers make to keep us safe is unbelievable; something we are reminded of when we witness tragedies such as the one that happened last night.”
Baldwin Park Mayor Alejandra Avila also issued a statement:
“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,” she continued. “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.”
A hand-written tribute was featured on a pair of goggles on Sunday at an impromptu memorial at the Baldwin Park Police Station. Photo: Ruby Gonzales, SCNG
And the LASD said on Sunday afternoon:
“This is a heartbreaking and deeply devastating tragedy. Officer Riveros made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his community. He, along with Officer Pimentel and their fellow officers, bravely responded to a dangerous call, fully aware of the risks involved. Officer Riveros gave his life in service to others, a profound testament to his unwavering dedication to duty and selfless courage.
“His loss is profoundly felt — not only by his family and colleagues, but by the entire Baldwin Park community and law enforcement family.
“The death of an innocent civilian only deepens this tragedy. Our hearts and prayers go out to the victim’s loved ones as they endure unimaginable grief.”
Newsom also issued a statement.
“Our deepest condolences go out to Officer Riveros’ family, loved ones, and colleagues,” he said. “We share in their grief and honor his sacrifice made in service to the public’s safety.”
Anyone with information regarding the shooting is urged to call the LASD’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 and staff writer Mona Darwish contributed to this report.