The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office launched an internal investigation after April 8 aerial footage appears to show a Special Enforcement Bureau deputy using a phone during a SWAT standoff in Jurupa Valley. The clip reportedly shows the deputy crouched behind an armored vehicle and looking at a phone, which some viewers said resembled a dating app. The incident followed a pursuit and crash near a high school; the suspect was later found dead with injuries described as consistent with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officials say they will take appropriate action depending on the investigation’s findings.
Deputy Under Internal Investigation After Video Appears to Show Dating-App Scrolling During Riverside SWAT Standoff
Credit: Getty
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has opened an internal investigation after aerial footage from April 8, 2026, appears to show a member of its Special Enforcement Bureau using a phone while deployed during a SWAT standoff in Jurupa Valley.
What the Video Appears to Show
Aerial video captured by CBS Los Angeles reportedly shows the deputy crouched behind an armored vehicle and looking at a phone. Social media users and local outlets suggested the deputy may have been viewing a dating app, though officials have described the footage only as showing phone use.
SWAT deputy caught scrolling apparent dating appCredit: CBS LA/YouTube
Department Response
"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 office said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. "This behavior does not reflect the standards, expectations, or policies of our department. We have initiated an internal investigation and will take appropriate action based on the findings."
Incident Details
The standoff followed a pursuit in which deputies attempted to end the chase with a grappler. The suspect allegedly crashed into a brick wall near a high school in Jurupa Valley. According to the sheriff's office and local news reports, the man refused to surrender and was later found dead; the office said his injuries were "consistent with a self-inflicted gunshot wound." Authorities have not publicly identified the suspect as the investigation continues.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized its commitment to professionalism and accountability while investigators review the video and other evidence. The investigation will determine whether departmental policies were violated and what disciplinary or corrective actions may follow.
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