BALDWIN PARK, CA – A Baldwin Park police officer was fatally shot Saturday night while rushing to assist a fellow officer under fire during a violent encounter that left two people dead and another wounded. The gunman, 22-year-old Eduardo Roberto Medina-Berumen, was arrested and is currently hospitalized.
Officer Samuel Riveros, 35, of Pasadena, was struck in the head by a bullet as he attempted to aid Officer Anthony Pimentel, who was already under fire upon arriving at the scene on Filhurst Avenue. Both officers were transported to a hospital, where Riveros later died.
Shots Fired in a Quiet Neighborhood
Saturday’s shooting shattered the peace of the typically calm 4200 block of Filhurst Avenue:
- Multiple gunshots rang out shortly after 7 p.m., initially mistaken for fireworks by nearby residents
- Officer Anthony Pimentel was fired upon as he arrived, with the window of his patrol car shattered
- Officer Samuel Riveros was shot while rushing to provide aid and later died at the hospital
- A civilian man was also found shot on the property and pronounced dead at a local hospital
- Suspect Eduardo Medina-Berumen was wounded by police gunfire and is in stable condition
The violent exchange has shaken the Baldwin Park community and stunned those who knew the victims and the suspect.
What Authorities Have Confirmed
According to investigators and law enforcement sources:
- Medina-Berumen, who lived at the Filhurst Avenue residence with his mother, has no known criminal record
- The suspect allegedly opened fire on officers responding to a disturbance, potentially tied to a parking dispute
- A firearm was confiscated from Medina-Berumen months earlier, though further details are unknown
- Police believe Medina-Berumen is responsible for both deaths but continue to investigate the motive
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has not yet filed formal charges as of Monday afternoon.
A Tragic Loss, a Community in Mourning
“This tragic shooting is a sobering reminder of the danger our first responders face when they answer the call,” said District Attorney Nathan Hochman. “We will keep the family of the fallen officer… in our prayers as they grapple with this difficult loss.”
Riveros, remembered by loved ones as a devoted public servant and joyful presence, had deep roots in the community. His childhood friend, Eric Esquivel, reflected on their lifelong bond: “We’ve helped each other and went through many seminal moments together… He was so much more than just a police officer.”
Governor Gavin Newsom ordered flags at the State Capitol flown at half-staff in Riveros’ honor.
Safety Measures and Monitoring
In the aftermath of the shooting:
- Police increased patrols in the Baldwin Park area to reassure residents
- Investigators are reviewing all past interactions involving Medina-Berumen, including the earlier gun-related incident
- Neighbors have been urged to remain vigilant and report concerning behavior, especially related to weapons or mental health concerns
Community members gathered Monday at a makeshift memorial to pay their respects to the slain civilian and fallen officer.
