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A Baldwin Park police officer has died and another person was seriously injured in a shooting fight with a suspect who swings a rifle on Saturday night, prompting a wave of sadness in the Southern California law enforcement community.
The fallen officer was identified as Samuel Liberos, a nine-year veteran of the Baldwin Park Police Station. According to his LinkedIn page and statements from city leaders, Riveros was a dedicated civil servant, an avid snowboarder and a passionate Dodger fan.
The fatal conflict began at 7:15pm in a neighborhood near the 4200 block of Philharmonic Store Avenue.
“When officers arrived, they came across the shooting,” Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said at a press conference Saturday night.
The Baldwin Park Police Department has released this photo of Officer Samuel Liberos, who was killed in duties. (Carlin Steel/via Los Angeles Times Getty Images) La County Sheriff Robert Luna (left) and Baldwin Park Police Chief Robert Lopez (right) spoke with the press outside Los Angeles General Medical Center after leaving behind a shooting at Roswin Park. (Carlin Steele/Los Angeles Times Getty Images) Law enforcement investigated a shooting range at 4200 block Philhurst Avenue in Baldwin Park, California on Sunday, June 1, 2025, after the shooting died yesterday evening and another officer died. (Luke Johnson/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) Police officers took an area near the location of the shooting in Baldwin Park, California on May 31, 2025. According to the CHP, he was shot dead on Saturday in Baldwin Park in response to a call on May 31st and answered a call at Baldwin Park. (Photo of Ryu/VCG via Getty Images) The SWAT team unit will be seen after two officers were hospitalized after being shot dead by a suspect in the Baldwin Park area on May 31, 2025. According to the CHP, he was shot dead on Saturday in Baldwin Park in response to a call on May 31st and answered a call at Baldwin Park. (Photo of Ryu/VCG via Getty Images) Two officers were hospitalized after being shot by a suspect in the Baldwin Park area on May 31, 2025. He was airlifted to USC Medical Center after being shot by a suspect in Baldwin Park on May 31, 2025 (@baldwinpark_) Two officers were hospitalized after being shot dead by a suspect in the Baldwinpark area on May 31, 2025. by a suspect in the Baldwin Park area on May 31, 2025. (RMG) Two officers have been hospitalized after being shot dead by a suspect in the Baldwin Park area on May 31, 2025. 2025 (RMG) Two officers were hospitalized after being shot by a suspect in the Baldwin Park area on May 31, 2025. He was shot by a suspect in the Baldwin Park area on May 31, 2025. (Citizen) Two officers have been hospitalized after being shot dead by a suspect in the Baldwin Park area on May 31, 2025. (KNN)
Both Liberos and the second officer were attacked in exchange. Riveros was airlifted to USC Medical Center and later died. According to LA County Fire Department officials, the second officer transported by ambulance remains stable and is expected to recover.
Councilman Blanca Rubio confirmed Liberos’ identity Sunday morning and said, “We appreciate the courage to have given us her humble and humble decision to protect and serve the people of Baldwin Park.
Baldwin Park Police Chief Robert Lopez fought back tears at a press conference.
“Our officer was a great guy,” he said. “It’s very tragic to have to deal with this. I ask the community to remember the officers and agents who go out there every day, making it safe for all our families and residents.”
Authorities said officers returned the fire and attacked the gunman. The gunner was taken to hospital and said it would remain stable. His name has not been released. Investigators say they found a third person who was suffering from a fatal gunshot wound that could have been shot by the suspect before police arrived.
Eyewitness video showed dozens of police cars, SWAT vehicles and tactical officers descending into the neighborhood after the shootout. The helicopter hovered overhead as officers targeted the rifle in a home where it was believed to be tied up by the shooter.
The resident told KTLA that he heard 10-20 gunshots during the incident. Another resident’s windshield was shattered by gunfire, while others gathered for a backyard party or weekend getaway — was seen in video of desperate escapes.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Department is leading the investigation. As of Sunday afternoon, no motivations were shared, and authorities have not confirmed early reports that a second suspect may have been involved.
This is a developing story. Please check for updates.
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