US police officer caught checking dating app during SWAT standoff after high-speed chase with armed suspect

A California deputy is facing backlash after he was caught on camera scrolling on a dating app during a standoff with an armed suspect in Riverside County.The incident occurred Wednesday in Jurupa Valley after a high-speed chase ended in a crash near a local school. Aerial footage broadcast by CBS Los Angeles showed the deputy crouched in the back of an armored vehicle, just feet away from the suspect, appearing to browse 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 confrontation began after a lengthy car chase involving a white Cadillac. The officers attempted to stop the car using a grappler, a device attached to a moving vehicle to stop it. The attempt appeared to cause the driver to 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 several hours. Police used pepper balls, drones and robots as they tried to talk to him. During this time, the suspect was also on the phone with the 911 operator.Despite multiple attempts, the man remained in the vehicle. Officers then approached and discovered he had “injuries consistent with a self-inflicted gunshot wound,” officials said. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not been released.Video of the officer using his phone during the procedure went viral, with many questioning his behavior in such a serious situation. Authorities have not confirmed what app he was using, but it appeared to be a dating app.