Officer Riveros Killed, Second Officer Critically Wounded, and Civilian Victim Found Dead in Baldwin Park Ambush Shooting; Suspect in Custody After Shootout Leaves Neighborhood Reeling

BALDWIN PARK, CA — In a devastating incident that has rocked the Baldwin Park community and law enforcement across Los Angeles County, Officer Daniel Riveros was fatally shot in the line of duty on Saturday evening, June 1, 2025. A second officer remains hospitalized in critical condition after sustaining gunfire injuries. Additionally, a third individual — a civilian — was found dead near the scene. The suspect, whose name has not yet been released by authorities, was also shot and is currently under armed supervision at a local hospital.

According to preliminary investigations by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the sequence of violence unfolded on Filhurst Avenue, a quiet residential stretch in Baldwin Park, when officers responded to a disturbance call that escalated into a high-powered rifle ambush.

An Ambush with No Warning

Sources close to the investigation confirm that the responding officers had little or no warning. The first bullets struck before a word was spoken.

Officer Daniel Riveros, 37, was among the first to arrive on the scene just before dusk. As he exited his patrol vehicle to assess the situation, he was struck by multiple rounds of rifle fire. Witnesses in the neighborhood describe the rapid succession of shots as “like a warzone,” with dozens of gunshots echoing between homes and businesses.

Body camera footage, now under review by internal affairs and the district attorney’s office, reportedly shows Officer Riveros taking cover and attempting to return fire before collapsing.

Despite the immediate response from fellow officers and paramedics, Riveros was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to USC Keck Medical Center.

The second officer, whose name is being withheld for privacy and family notification, was struck in the upper torso and airlifted to County USC Medical Center, where he underwent emergency surgery. His condition remains serious but stable, according to hospital spokespeople.

Another Life Lost: Civilian Victim Found Nearby

In the aftermath of the ambush, officers sweeping the area discovered a third victim — a civilian — lying lifeless in a front yard near the initial point of contact. Authorities believe this individual may have been shot before law enforcement arrived, possibly the person who made the initial 911 call or someone caught in the crossfire.

The identity of the civilian has not been released pending family notification and forensic identification. A spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office confirmed that the individual died from gunshot wounds but declined to release further details at this time.

Suspect Shot and Apprehended After Backup Arrives

Shortly after the first wave of officers came under fire, reinforcements from Baldwin Park Police, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and tactical units responded. The suspect reportedly barricaded himself inside a home for a brief period before engaging with officers again during a standoff that lasted less than 15 minutes.

A coordinated effort led to the suspect being wounded by return fire and taken into custody alive. He was transported under guard to a nearby hospital, where he is receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

Authorities have not released the suspect’s identity, motive, or criminal history. However, Sheriff Robert Luna stated during a late-night press briefing that the individual “was well-armed and appeared prepared for a confrontation.”

Who Was Officer Daniel Riveros?

Daniel Riveros, a seven-year veteran of the Baldwin Park Police Department, was known among colleagues for his calm demeanor, empathy on the job, and deep commitment to community policing. He leaves behind a wife and two young children.

Chief of Police Erica Mendoza fought through tears as she addressed the public late Saturday night:

“Officer Riveros was not only a protector of this city — he was a father, a husband, and a mentor. His bravery in the face of danger will not be forgotten. We are shattered by his loss, but we will stand strong in his memory.”

Flags across Baldwin Park and LA County have been ordered to half-staff in honor of Riveros. The Baldwin Park City Council has announced that a candlelight vigil will be held Monday evening in front of City Hall.

A Neighborhood Transformed by Violence

The incident unfolded on a street known more for block parties and family barbecues than for gunfire. Filhurst Avenue, lined with modest single-story homes, quickly became a scene of tactical operations, crime scene tape, and flashing lights.

Residents were ordered to shelter in place during the operation, and many were later escorted to safety by SWAT officers. Several families were temporarily relocated due to the proximity of the shootout and ongoing forensic investigations.

Maria Estrella, a neighbor who lives three houses down from the shooting, described the terror of the moment:

“We hit the floor as soon as we heard the first shots. My kids were crying. I just held them and prayed. We had no idea what was going on outside our door.”

Investigation Underway: Motive Still Unknown

Law enforcement officials have launched a full-scale investigation, led by the Los Angeles County Homicide Bureau, to determine what prompted the ambush. Early theories include possible mental health factors, gang-related motivations, or domestic disturbances gone violently awry.

Authorities are combing through the suspect’s social media, communication records, and weapon acquisitions. Sheriff Luna confirmed that multiple firearms, including a high-powered rifle and two handguns, were recovered from the scene.

“We are treating this as a deliberate attack on law enforcement,” Luna said. “Whether this individual had accomplices or prior incidents of violence will be determined in the coming days.”

Federal partners, including the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) and the FBI, have joined the investigation to trace the origins of the weapons used and explore any broader threat patterns.

Local and National Reaction

The murder of Officer Riveros has sparked an outpouring of grief across law enforcement agencies nationwide. Tributes from fellow officers, local officials, and community leaders have flooded social media.

Governor Gavin Newsom issued a formal statement late Saturday:

“Our hearts are broken for Officer Riveros, his family, and the Baldwin Park community. The courage of our law enforcement is unmatched, and this brutal act of violence is a reminder of the daily risks they face in service to us all.”

Members of the California State Assembly, Los Angeles City Council, and Congressional representatives from the area have all called for renewed focus on protecting officers and preventing gun violence.

Support for the Families and Community

The Baldwin Park Police Foundation has launched a memorial fund for the Riveros family, with contributions pouring in from across the state. Local businesses are organizing donation drives and community meals for first responders and affected residents.

Mental health professionals have also been deployed to provide trauma counseling to fellow officers and community members impacted by the shooting.

Local school districts will observe a moment of silence Monday morning, and grief counselors will be made available to students.

Looking Ahead: Healing and Accountability

While the city of Baldwin Park begins the difficult journey of mourning and healing, many are calling for both accountability and reform. Civic leaders are demanding comprehensive reviews of officer response procedures, neighborhood gun access, and mental health intervention protocols.

“We need justice for Officer Riveros, for the wounded, and for the civilian who lost their life,” said Councilmember Ana Ortiz. “But we also need to make sure this doesn’t happen again — here or anywhere else.”

As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information, video footage, or eyewitness testimony to come forward. Anonymous tips can be submitted to L.A. Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or at lacrimestoppers.org.

Conclusion

The ambush on Filhurst Avenue has left scars on Baldwin Park that will take years to heal. The tragic loss of Officer Daniel Riveros, the critical injury of his fellow officer, and the death of a civilian have transformed an ordinary neighborhood into the epicenter of grief and resolve.

As flags fly at half-mast and candles are lit in memory, one message rings louder than gunfire: their lives mattered. And Baldwin Park will not forget.

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