If convicted, Berumen could face death or life in state prison without the possibility of parole, according to the District Attorney.
Officer Riveros and Officer Anthony Pimentel responded to the scene where Wong, a father of two, was killed immediately after parking his car and the situation quickly devolved into what authorities called a chaotic gunfight, according to ABC News. The officers were responding to a call of a suspect firing a rifle when the gunman “immediately” opened fire, fatally striking Riveros.
The LAPPL stands in unwavering support with Baldwin Park Police Department Officer Samuel Riveros’ family and the Baldwin Park Police Department during this heartbreaking time. Officer Samuel Riveros made the ultimate sacrifice while courageously responding to gunfire in Baldwin… pic.twitter.com/7QlxB8mkuU
— Los Angeles Police Protective League (@LAPPL) June 2, 2025
“He was senselessly murdered that night," Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna told a press briefing. "This loss is devastating to their family, and all of us."
“Officer Riveros left a lasting impact and loved nothing more than putting on the uniform and protecting the community he served,” District Attorney Hochman said in a statement Tuesday. “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.”
Hochman said his office will decide at a later date whether to pursue capital punishment, according to KTLA.
“Officer Riveros stood for justice and accountability, and that’s exactly what we will pursue in this case. The sacrifices he made will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who were killed as they mourn this tragic loss.”"When the bullets were flying, he ran into those bullets to try and keep his community safe and in doing so, he made the ultimate sacrifice of his life," Hochman added at the briefing. He added that Officer Pimental was injured by flying glass shards when the suspect allegedly shot out the windshield of his patrol vehicle.
Responding officers returned fire at Berumen, striking the suspect non-fatally. He was transported to an area hospital in stable condition. A semi-automatic rifle and two “high-capacity” magazines were recovered from the scene with approximately forty to sixty spent casings nearby.
In Memory of Baldwin Park Police Department Officer Samuel Riveros | Baldwin Park Newshttps://t.co/IdJLNe8Aq1 pic.twitter.com/tulV3UCyFg
— BaldwinParkNews (@BaldwinPNews) June 2, 2025
“Sam was a dedicated officer who represented our department with dignity and honor,” Baldwin Park Police Chief Robert A. 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.”
