At the July 9, 2025 El Monte City Council meeting, thirteen officers and three dispatchers from the El Monte Police Department were recognized for their decisive and courageous response to a deadly mass shooting in Baldwin Park. The incident, which occurred on May 31, 2025, claimed the life of Baldwin Park Police Officer Samuel Riveros, the first in the department’s history to die in the line of duty, as well as civilian Darius Wong. Two additional Baldwin Park officers were also injured.
The recognition comes as local communities continue to reflect on the events of that tragic night and honor those who risked their lives to protect others. The El Monte Police honored that evening demonstrated professionalism and swift tactical coordination under extreme conditions.
Deadly Night in Baldwin Park
At approximately 7:21 p.m. on May 31, an emergency “999” call signaling that an officer was down—was transmitted by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s aerial unit. The call, originating from Baldwin Park, triggered an immediate response from surrounding law enforcement agencies, including El Monte.
El Monte Communications Dispatcher Carey Bashford relayed the call and coordinated a rapid deployment. Officers from the El Monte Police Department arrived at the active scene, near Filhurst Avenue, within four minutes.
As officers converged on the scene, gunfire continued. El Monte Police Captain Luna later described the weapon as a high-powered, long-range rifle, capable of inflicting fatal injuries from a distance. The situation remained volatile as officers worked to identify the shooter’s location and assist injured parties.
Sergeants Andrew Mora and Frank Ramirez, along with Corporal Rogers Sardina, led a tactical team using an armored BearCat vehicle. Several officers rode atop the vehicle while others proceeded on foot. Their goal: to enter the danger zone and evacuate injured individuals.
Recovery and Response Under Fire
Upon arrival at the residence, officers discovered the armed suspect lying in the yard. He was quickly apprehended without further gunfire. Meanwhile, another team located Officer Riveros, critically wounded and trapped behind a vehicle. He was pulled to safety, loaded into a patrol car, and airlifted by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Aero Bureau from a nearby school to Los Angeles General Medical Center.
Nearby, 43-year-old Darius Wong was found unresponsive on the sidewalk. He had sustained a gunshot wound and was transported to Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
After victims were removed from the scene, El Monte officers remained to assist Baldwin Park Police with securing the area, conducting interviews, and launching the formal investigation.
El Monte Police Recognized for Bravery
Those awarded for their bravery included Dispatcher Carey Bashford, Supervisors Veronica Chacon and Slee Segovia; Sergeants Andrew Mora and Frank Ramirez; Corporal Rogers Sardina; and Officers Daniel Romero, Ann Arroto, Greg Brown, Raymond Coda, Nathan Hernandez, Raul Vega, Gilbert Pe, David Ibarra, Brian Flugoff, and Emilio Quezada.
El Monte Police honored that night received public commendations during the council meeting, with Captain Luna recounting the intense moments of the response. Their ability to act decisively under threat and prioritize life-saving measures demonstrated the highest values of public service.
As Baldwin Park mourns the loss of Officer Riveros, neighboring communities have joined in recognizing the courage displayed by those who responded to the tragedy. Their actions not only saved lives but helped bring swift resolution to a chaotic and deadly situation.
