On Saturday evening, a devastating incident unfolded in Baldwin Park, resulting in the loss of one police officer and leaving another seriously injured. At an early Sunday morning press conference, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department announced that they were investigating a double homicide following the fatal shooting of a Baldwin Park police officer and an unidentified adult male.
The second victim, who has not yet been named, was discovered deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. Fortunately, the suspect has been apprehended, bringing some sense of relief to the community. Baldwin Park Police Chief Robert A. López confirmed that the injured officer has since been reunited with his family and is reported to be in stable condition. “It’s extremely tragic to have to deal with this,” Chief López expressed, visibly emotional during the press conference.
The incident began when Baldwin Park police officers responded to reports of a suspect firing rounds with a rifle near 4200 Filhurst Ave at approximately 7:12 p.m. Upon their arrival, the officers were “met by gunfire,” according to Sheriff Robert Luna. The investigation has since led to the recovery of the weapon used in the shooting. As of now, the names of the officers involved have not been disclosed, as authorities are still in the process of notifying all family members.
Chief López remembered the fallen officer as an avid snowboarder and a passionate Dodgers fan, who loved to travel to watch his favorite team play at different stadiums. Sheriff Luna reported that the exact number of shots fired during the incident remains unclear, but initial reports indicate that eleven shots were recorded at 7:16 p.m. on Palm Avenue, as confirmed by video footage reviewed by The Times.
A homeowner in the area, who chose to remain anonymous, initially mistook the gunfire for fireworks. It wasn’t until he saw police vehicles filling the street that he realized the gravity of the situation. Describing the neighborhood as typically “pretty calm,” he noted that in his nine years of living on Palm Avenue, he had never witnessed a shooting.
Further investigation revealed that six additional shots were fired at 7:26 p.m. near the intersection of Palm and Filhurst Avenue, as helicopters hovered above the scene. By 9 p.m. on Saturday, multiple law enforcement agencies had mobilized in the neighborhood, conducting door-to-door inquiries. Police cars from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, as well as the West Covina and El Monte police departments, were present to ensure the safety of the community.
The two officers who were shot were promptly transported to Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center in serious condition, one by air ambulance and the other by ground transport, as reported by the L.A. County Fire Department. News helicopters circled overhead as police cruisers from various agencies arrived at the hospital's emergency entrance. Nearby, several officers stood vigil outside, reflecting the somber atmosphere.
Earlier in the evening, a sheriff’s deputy was seen escorting a visibly distraught couple through the hospital parking lot. An hour later, the same couple exited, confirming their relation to one of the officers involved in the shooting but opting not to make a statement.
This tragic event has left the Baldwin Park community in shock, highlighting the dangers faced by law enforcement officers daily. As the investigation continues under the leadership of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the community mourns the loss of a dedicated officer and prays for a swift recovery for the injured.
