The gunman who mercilessly cut down a police officer and an innocent civilian with an AR-15-style rifle in Pomona will remain behind bars without bail as he faces charges that could lead to the death penalty.
Key Takeaways
- Eduardo Roberto Medina-Berumen, 22, faces two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Baldwin Park Police Officer Samuel Riveros and civilian Darius Wong during a May 31 shooting
- Medina-Berumen allegedly fired indiscriminately with a short-barrel AR-15-style rifle with high-capacity magazines until he ran out of ammunition
- The suspect appeared in court in a wheelchair on June 11 after being wounded in the gun battle and was ordered held without bail until his July 31 arraignment
- Two additional officers were targeted in the attack, with Officer Anthony Pimentel suffering injuries during the gunfight
- If convicted, Medina-Berumen could face the death penalty for the murders of Officer Riveros, a nine-year veteran, and Wong, a married father of two young daughters
Deadly Rampage Leaves Officer and Civilian Dead
The horrific events of May 31 in Pomona, California, unfolded when police responded to reports of an active shooter. According to prosecutors, 22-year-old Eduardo Roberto Medina-Berumen had begun “firing indiscriminately” outside his home with a short-barrel rifle. When officers arrived at the scene, they were met with immediate gunfire from the suspect, turning what was already a dangerous situation into a deadly ambush. Baldwin Park Police Officer Samuel Riveros, a nine-year veteran of the force, was fatally struck during the exchange, while another officer, Anthony Pimentel, was injured but survived the attack.
“immediately fired upon by this suspect, who had a rifle,” Said Sheriff Robert Luna.
The rampage also claimed the life of 43-year-old Darius Wong, a married father of two young daughters who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Sheriff Luna described finding Wong “unresponsive, that ultimately, unfortunately, was Mr. Wong.” The senseless violence has devastated two families and sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community, which continues to mourn the loss of Officer Riveros, who leaves behind a wife and two children of his own.
Suspect Faces Serious Charges
Medina-Berumen’s initial court appearance on June 11 was marked by the severity of his circumstances. Appearing in a wheelchair due to injuries sustained during the shootout with police, he was ordered to be held without bail until his arraignment scheduled for July 31. The charges against him are substantial: two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Officer Riveros and Darius Wong, two counts of attempted murder for allegedly firing at two other Baldwin Park police officers, and possession of an assault rifle.
“started firing indiscriminately,” Said Deputy District Attorney Michael Michelena.
Authorities recovered an AR-15-style weapon with high-capacity magazines at the scene, adding to the serious nature of the charges. According to law enforcement, Medina-Berumen only ceased firing when he ran out of ammunition, at which point he was taken into custody. If convicted, he could face the death penalty, a fact highlighted during a press conference at the Hall of Justice in Los Angeles where the charges were formally announced by District Attorney Nathan Hochman.
Community Mourns as Legal Process Continues
The brutal attack has left the Pomona and Baldwin Park communities reeling from the loss of both Officer Riveros and civilian Darius Wong. The deaths of these two men—both fathers with young children—underscore the devastating impact of violent crime on families and communities. Officer Riveros was remembered as a dedicated nine-year veteran of the force who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, while Wong has been mourned as an innocent victim caught in a senseless act of violence.
As the case progresses toward the July 31 arraignment, the families of the victims continue to grapple with their profound loss. The Baldwin Park Police Department has rallied around Officer Pimentel, who was injured in the attack, as he recovers from his wounds. The presence of high-ranking officials, including Sheriff Luna and District Attorney Hochman at the press conference, demonstrates the high-profile nature of this case and the community’s demand for justice for both the fallen officer and the civilian casualty.
With Medina-Berumen facing potential capital punishment if convicted, this case represents yet another tragic example of violent crime in California and the devastating consequences when officers responding to protect the public become targets themselves. The recovery of the AR-15-style weapon at the scene has also reignited discussions about access to high-powered firearms and their use in violent crimes against law enforcement and innocent civilians.
