Shooting in Riverside Claims Father’s Life; Suspect Arrested
Authorities in Riverside have apprehended a suspect believed to be responsible for the shooting death of 41-year-old David Abarca, who was tragically killed without any apparent motive.
The Incident
The Riverside Police Department received emergency calls reporting gunfire in the La Sierra neighborhood near the intersection of Hole and Mitchell Avenues around 10:10 p.m. on Saturday, March 22.
Upon arrival, officers discovered Abarca unresponsive at the scene, suffering from numerous gunshot wounds. Despite immediate medical assistance and efforts to stabilize him at a local hospital, Abarca succumbed to his injuries shortly afterward.
Victim Identification
David Abarca was a well-known member of the Riverside community, celebrated for his dedication as an employee of Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill for nearly 25 years. He leaves behind a 10-year-old son.
Details of the Shooting
Preliminary investigations indicate that Abarca had worked late that evening, missing his usual ride home. As he was walking, he encountered the suspect who approached and shot him without warning. Detected evidence suggests that there was no prior relationship between Abarca and the shooter.
Suspect Apprehended
Following the shooting, eyewitness accounts prompted police to search the area. A neighbor reported seeing the alleged shooter flee and dispose of a firearm. Officers quickly located and arrested the suspect, identified as 23-year-old Andre Devin Thomas, who resides in Riverside. The weapon believed to be used in the incident was also recovered nearby.
Thomas is currently held at the Robert Presley Detention Center with a bail set at $1 million, facing charges of murder.
Community Response
Riverside Police Chief Larry Gonzalez expressed condolences to Abarca’s family, describing the incident as a “senseless act of violence” that has deeply impacted the community. He praised the efforts of the officers involved in the capture of the suspect, as well as the detectives and forensic teams working on the case.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation remains active, with authorities urging anyone who may have additional information to reach out to Detective Anthony Watkins at 951-353-7105 or AW******@Ri*********.gov, or Detective Richard Glover at 951-353-7134 or RG*****@Ri*********.gov.
Community Support
In light of the tragedy, Abarca’s family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses and support his young son during this difficult time.
