The Riverside County Sheriff's Office in California is conducting an internal investigation after aerial video from CBS Los Angeles went viral. The footage showed an officer standing behind an armored vehicle, just steps away from an armed suspect barricaded inside a car.
In the video, the officer was seen using his phone, opening what appeared to be a dating app. He quickly swiped through profiles, dismissing them by swiping left, before putting his phone away. The Sheriff's Office confirmed the individual belongs to the Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB), and the behavior occurred during an incident on 8/4.
The agency stated that the officer's conduct "does not reflect the department's standards or policies." They indicated that appropriate action will be taken following the conclusion of the internal investigation, emphasizing the need for professionalism and accountability from its personnel.
The incident occurred during a standoff between a SWAT team and a property theft suspect. Earlier, during a high-speed chase, police unsuccessfully used a spike strip to stop the vehicle, causing the suspect to lose control and crash into a wall near a school.
Following the crash, a 3-hour standoff ensued. Authorities attempted negotiations, but the suspect refused to exit the vehicle, prompting the SWAT team to deploy a drone, an armored vehicle, and tear gas. Upon approaching the vehicle, officers discovered the man deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The suspect's identity has not been released.
Tue Anh (according to CBS, People, Nypost)
