2 killed, including officer, in L.A.-area shooting

One suspect is in custody after a shooting in Baldwin Park, California, left a police officer dead and another hospitalized Saturday night, officials from the Baldwin Park Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said.

Officers responded to a call of gunshots and an individual down shortly after 7 p.m. at the 4200 block of Filhurst Avenue, officials said. The call said that someone was firing a gun.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna stated during a midnight press conference on Sunday that the suspect reportedly opened fire on the cops without warning, hitting both of them. Luna described the shooting as a "double homicide," saying the second victim, who was not publicly identified, was a male adult.

“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," Baldwin Park Mayor Alejandra Avila said in Sunday's statement, in which he also expressed condolences on behalf of the city council and city hall staff to the fallen officer's family and relatives of the victims.

“Last night was a night of tragedy for our community.  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," Avila added.

One of the officers, identified Sunday by the LASD as Samuel Riveros, was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The other officer, identified as Anthony Pimentel, is in stable condition and has since been released from the hospital, a spokesperson for the city of Baldwin Park said on Sunday morning.

The suspect is also in stable condition. He was taken into custody and remains unidentified publicly.

Robert Lopez, the chief of police in Baldwin Park, lauded both officers for racing toward danger to "protect residents in Baldwin Park."

"Our officer was an amazing man," Lopez said of the deceased officer. "He was an avid snowboarder, a Dodger fan. It's extremely tragic to have to deal with this. Please pray for me.

In a statement, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said he was sorry for the officer's family.

"This heartbreaking loss is a solemn reminder of the risks officers take every day when protecting their community," he said. "Our hearts are with Baldwin Park PD as they mourn a beloved colleague, and prayers for his wounded colleague. We stand with you during this time of profound grief."