Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

WEST COVINA - A West Covina Police officer died while off duty, the department announced Thursday.

Matthew Ortiz began working for the West Covina Police Department on July 24, 2023. Prior to that, Ortiz lived in Texas from September 2022 until February 2023 and was an officer for the Grand Prairie Police Department. Ortiz was also a member of the Los Angeles Police Department where he served from September 2019 until August 2022.

Ortiz was also a member of the Marine Corps from July 2015 until July 2019, and received an honorable discharge.

Ortiz was 27.

“We want to express our gratitude for the outpouring of support we have already received from our brothers and sisters in law enforcement as well as other members of the community. Your kindness, thoughts, and prayers are appreciated during this difficult time,” According to the West Covina Police Department in a written statement.

Although anonymous social posts claim to know how it occurred, the cause of death has not been officially revealed.

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

WEST COVINA - A driver seen loitering in a liquor store parking lot October 15 was allegedly caught with a mother lode of contraband.

An officer on patrol saw the suspicious vehicle just after Midnight near Amar Road and Valinda Avenue. As the officer made contact with the driver, the officer spotted a high-capacity firearm and an open container in plain view.

“A search of the vehicle also revealed the driver was in possession of cocaine and methamphetamine. The loaded firearm was also discovered to be unregistered,” according to the West Covina Police Department.

The driver was arrested.

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

WEST COVINA - Detectives announced the arrest of a 17-year-old from East Los Angeles who is accused of being the gunman they killed a liquor store clerk in West Covina, October 8.

The teen is being held at a juvenile detention facility ahead of a scheduled court appearance at the Pomona Courthouse Friday, October 13.

The teen, who is unnamed because of his age, is facing one count of first-degree murder in the shooting of 34-year-old Karanvir Singh, a charge filed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

Singh was gunned down outside Big Bob’s Liquor & Market. The teen and an accomplice are accused of stealing merchandise before the shooting.

Detectives still seek help in identifying the second person of interest. Anyone with information his whereabouts is urged to call the West Covina Police Department tip line at 626-939-8688. Remain anonymous by calling LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), through the P3Tips mobile app, or lacrimestoppers.org.

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

WEST COVINA - A convenience store clerk trying to do the right thing ended up on the wrong side of a gun October 8 and was shot and killed during a robbery.

The shooting occurred around 8:45 p.m. Sunday at big Bob’s Liquors & Market, 1413 W. Puente Ave. First responders found a 34-year-old clerk wounded in the upper torso. He was hospitalized and later died, according to the West Covina Police department.

“It appears two males entered the store and stole merchandise. The victim confronted the men at which time a shooting occurred,” according to the West Covina Police Department in a written statement.

Both persons of interest were described as male Hispanics in their late teens to early twenties. The suspects fled the area in an unknown model light-colored SUV, according to the West Covina Police Department.

Anyone with information on this murder is urged to call the West Covina Police Department at 626-939-8688. Remain anonymous by calling LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), through the P3Tips mobile app, or lacrimestoppers.org.

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

WEST COVINA - An attempted murder and carjacking suspect is being held without bail after a brief chase October 6.

Quentin Marcus Barringer, a 19-year-old Los Angeles man, was caught after escaping police on foot.

Officers initially tried to stop Barringer for reported vehicle code violations around 12:41 p.m. Friday at Valley Boulevard and South Nogales Street, according to Lt.

After a brief vehicle chase, Barringer fled on foot into a neighborhood in the 2600 block of East Highcastle Street. Some residents were evacuated during a search, according to the West Covina Police Department.

Barringer is being held without bail at the Inmate Reception Center in Los Angeles ahead of a scheduled appearance in the West Covina Courthouse October 10.

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

WEST COVINA - Investigators are asking for the public’s help in locating a hit-and-run driver who left a pedestrian for dead August 28.

First responders were called to Glendora Avenue just north of Vine Avenue before 8:30 p.m. to an unresponsive pedestrian down in traffic lanes. The 72-year-old pedestrian was treated and taken to a hospital where he died, according to the West Covina Police Department.

The West Covina Police Major Accident Investigation Team. Obtained security video of the silver or white SUV striking thee pedestrian.

Anyone with information on this fatal crash is urged to call the West Covina Police Traffic Bureau at 626-939-8513.