Sheriff Criticizes SWAT Officer for Using Dating App During Armed Standoff

A recent incident in California involving a sheriff’s deputy has sparked widespread criticism after a video surfaced showing the officer seemingly using a dating app during an active SWAT standoff. This unusual occurrence took place on April 8 in Jurupa Valley, where a suspect led authorities on a pursuit that ultimately concluded with a crash near a local high school.

The precarious situation escalated into an extended standoff, requiring SWAT teams to surround the suspect’s vehicle as he refused to surrender, creating a tense environment for law enforcement.

Sheriff Condemns Inappropriate Behavior

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco expressed his outrage upon reviewing the footage. He described feeling “shocked, ” “embarrassed, ” and “angry” about the deputy’s actions, emphasizing that such behavior is unacceptable during a critical incident.

Bianco vehemently stated that the deputy’s decision to scroll through a dating app was a “slap in the face” to his fellow SWAT team members, underlining that it does not align with the professionalism expected from the department during high-stakes operations.

The sheriff confirmed that the identity of the deputy has been established and that an internal investigation is underway, promising that accountability would be pursued.

@cbsla
Riverside County Sheriff and Republican gubernatorial candidate Chad Bianco is responding after SkyCal video appeared to show a SWAT deputy using a dating app during a standoff with an armed suspect.

♬ original sound – CBS LA

Despite the viral criticism directed at the deputy, officials stressed that the standoff remained hazardous throughout the duration of the incident. Various tactical measures, including the use of less-lethal tools and robotic assistance, were deployed in attempts to persuade the suspect to surrender peacefully while the deputy, meanwhile, was shown swiping through potential dating matches.

The standoff ultimately concluded with the discovery of the suspect deceased from injuries thought to be consistent with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. While the sheriff’s office has not yet disclosed any specific disciplinary actions against the deputy, Sheriff Bianco made it clear that the actions observed in the footage do not reflect the conduct expected during SWAT operations.

Source & Images