Kamal Ghorui
A sheriff’s deputy in California 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 incident took place on Wednesday in Jurupa Valley following a high-speed pursuit that ended in a crash near a local school. Aerial footage broadcast by CBS Los Angeles showed the deputy crouched behind an armoured vehicle, just feet away from the suspect, appearing to swipe through 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.It 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 standoff began after a long car chase involving a white Cadillac. Deputies tried to stop the car using a Grappler, a device that attaches to a moving vehicle to bring it to a halt. The attempt appeared to make the driver lose control, and the car crashed into a concrete wall.After the crash, 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 a 911 operator during this time.Despite several attempts, the man stayed inside the car. Deputies later approached and found him with “injuries consistent with a self-inflicted gunshot wound,” officials said. He was declared dead at the scene. His identity has not been released.The video of the deputy using his phone during the operation has gone viral, with many questioning his behaviour during such a serious situation. Authorities have not confirmed what app he was using, but it appeared to be a dating app.
