A Riverside County sheriff's deputy was allegedly caught scrolling on what appeared to be a dating app during a standoff
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- A Riverside County deputy was allegedly caught scrolling on what appeared to be a dating app during a standoff
- The investigation began after aerial footage from CBS Los Angeles caught the alleged incident on April 8
- “The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office is aware of the video circulating on social media showing a member of our Special Enforcement Bureau using his phone during the incident that occurred on April 8, 2026,” the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE
An internal investigation is underway after a sheriff's deputy involved in a SWAT operation in California was allegedly seen scrolling on what appeared to be a dating app during a standoff.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office started the internal investigation after aerial footage from CBS Los Angeles caught the alleged incident, where the deputy was reportedly seen crouched behind an armored vehicle and on his phone.
“The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office is aware of the video circulating on social media showing a member of our Special Enforcement Bureau using his phone during the incident that occurred on April 8, 2026,” the Riverside County Sheriff's Office said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE.
“This behavior does not reflect the standards, expectations, or policies of our department," the statement added, noting that they "have initiated an internal investigation and will take appropriate action based on the findings. The Sheriff’s Office remains committed to professionalism and holding our employees accountable.”
Credit: CBS LA/YouTube
The situation allegedly occurred during a standoff with a grand theft suspect who had crashed into a brick wall near a high school in Jurupa Valley in Riverside County after a deputy attempted to end the pursuit by using a grappler, CBS News reported.
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The man allegedly refused to surrender and was later found dead with "injuries consistent with a self-inflicted gunshot wound," the sheriff’s office said, per the outlet.
The suspect has yet to be identified.
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