A 22-year-old man was charged Tuesday with murdering Baldwin Park police Officer Samuel Riveros and a 2nd shooting victim in a Baldwin Park neighborhood over the weekend.
Eduardo Roberto Medina Berumen was awaiting arraignment while he recovers from gunshot wounds incurred during the shootout with police on charges of two counts of murder with the special circumstance allegations of multiple murders and murder of a peace officer, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced.
A second Baldwin Park police officer was wounded, and Medina Berumen faces two counts of attempted murder of a peace officer and one count of possession of an assault weapon.
Medina Berumen’s bail was set at $4 million.
“Sam was a dedicated officer who represented our department with dignity and honor,” Baldwin Park Police Chief Robert López said in a statement. “In the face of danger, Sam selflessly put the safety of others before his own and gave his life doing so. He was a part of our family, and it is hard to capture what a tremendous loss this is for our department and Baldwin Park. We will never forget Sam and we will lean on one another in our shared grief as we move forward.”
District Attorney Hochman said in a statement, “Officer Riveros left a lasting impact and loved nothing more than putting on the uniform and protecting the community he served. We should never underestimate the dangers that officers face when they report for work, showing up day after day in service of something larger than themselves.
“Officer Riveros stood for justice and accountability, and that’s exactly what we will pursue in this case,” Hochman said. “The sacrifices he made will never be forgotten.”
The shootings occurred Saturday when Baldwin Park police responded at about 7:12 p.m. to a report of gunfire, a man with a rifle and a person lying unresponsive on the sidewalk in the 4200 block of Filhurst Avenue, near the San Gabriel River (605) Freeway, according to the LA County Sheriff’s Department. Upon officers’ arrival the suspect allegedly fired at them, and multiple public safety agencies and SWAT personnel responded to the scene.
Officials later identified the fatally shot officer as Riveros, a nine-year veteran who was described as an avid snowboarder and Dodgers fan who saw the team play at stadiums across the country. Riveros’ LinkedIn page says he attended Pasadena City College and the University of California, Irvine.
“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,” Mayor Alejandra Avila said in a statement. “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,” Avila said. “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.”
The wounded officer is Anthony Pimentel, who was released from the hospital after receiving treatment, the sheriff’s department reported.
Authorities located a man with a fatal gunshot wound at the scene, 43-year-old Darius Wong, who was rushed to a hospital and pronounced dead. Wong was allegedly shot just after he parked his car, according to the DA’s office.
Wong was a married father of two young daughters. A GoFundMe page has been established to help with funeral expenses.
The suspect’s rifle was recovered at the scene, sheriff’s officials said.
The Los Angeles Times reported that Ring cameras recorded 11 gunshots at 7:16 p.m. followed by six more shots fired at 7:26.
Sheriff’s homicide deputies, who are leading the investigation, went door to door early Sunday, interviewing area residents in an attempt to determine what happened.
“The filing of charges in the tragic murders of Officer Samuel Riveros and an innocent victim brings us one step closer to justice,” LA County Sheriff Robert Luna said in a statement. “This cowardly and unprovoked act of violence against a brave and dedicated public servant is absolutely unacceptable. We stand in solidarity with the family of Officer Riveros, the Baldwin Park Police Department and the entire law enforcement community as we mourn.”
To report information about the suspect or the shooting, authorities urged the public to call the sheriff’s Homicide Bureau, 323-890-5500, or provide anonymous tips via 800-222-8477 or lacrimestoppers.org.
Gov. Gavin Newsom and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis offered condolences:
“We mourn the tragic loss of one of California’s brave law enforcement officers, who was killed in the line of duty while selflessly protecting the community. Our deepest condolences go out to Officer Riveros’ family, loved ones, and colleagues. We share in their grief and honor his sacrifice made in service to the public’s safety.”
Flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will fly at half-staff in the slain officer’s honor.
Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger said flags would fly at half-staff at county facilities until Riveros’ funeral.
“Officer Samuel Riveros served with courage and commitment, and his ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Barger said in a statement. “We honor his life, his service, and extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and fellow officers.”
Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio, D-West Covina, said in a statement, “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.”
Riveros, 35, is survived by his mother and sister.
Updated June 4, 2025, 9:00 a.m.
