A California sheriff’s deputy is facing backlash after being caught on camera scrolling through a dating app during an active SWAT standoff with an armed suspect in Riverside County.The accident occurred Wednesday in Jurupa Valley after a high-speed chase that ended in a crash near a local school. Aerial footage broadcast by CBS Los Angeles showed the deputy sitting behind an armored vehicle, just feet away from the suspect, appearing to be browsing profiles on his phone.The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office confirmed it is investigating the incident. “This behavior does not reflect the standards, expectations or policies of our department,” the Sheriff’s Office said.She added, “We 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.”
The confrontation began after a long car chase involving a white Cadillac. Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle using a Grappler, a device that is attached to a moving vehicle to stop it. It appears that the attempt led to the driver losing control, and the car crashed into a concrete wall.
After the incident, the suspect refused to come out, leading to a tense standoff that lasted for hours. Police used pepper balls, drones and robots while trying to talk to him. The suspect was also on the phone with the 911 operator during this time.Despite several attempts, the man remained inside the car. Deputies later approached him and found him with “injuries consistent with a gunshot wound,” officials said. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity was not revealed.A video clip of the deputy using his phone during the operation went viral, with many questioning his behavior during such a dangerous situation. Authorities have not confirmed which app he was using, but it appears to be a dating app.
