It is with great sadness to inform you of the death of Officer Sergio Carrera Jr. Sergio was employed with the Rialto Police Department for the last four years and had been on the SWAT team for nearly a year.  The following is a synopsis of the event as described by Rialto Police Chief Mark Kling:

“Today, Officers of the Rialto Police Department served four search warrants at various locations in the 100 block of West Cascasde Street, in the City of Rialto. The search warrants were for various narcotics and weapons violations. The Rialto SWAT team was assisted by members of the Colton SWAT unit, DEA and ATF. At one location, Rialto SWAT was met by a combative suspect and a shooting occurred. Officer Sergio Carrera Jr., a 29 year-old husband, and Father of two was killed. I have learned that there has been speculation that Officer Carrera, Jr. was killed by another Rialto SWAT member. THIS IS INACCURATE INFORMATION!

Through a continuing investigation by members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and in cooperation with the San Bernardino County District Attorney, Suspect Jaranard Thomas was arrested for murder of Police Officer Sergio Carrera, Jr. Suspect Thomas, a 32 year-old Rialto resident, was booked this evening at West Valley Detention Center. Due to the sensitivity of this ongoing investigation no further information will be released at this time regarding any of the circumstances as we do not wish to jeopardize the case.”

The Sergio Carrera, Jr. Memorial Fund has been set up at Arrowhead Credit Union to provide support to his family. The point of contact for donations to this fund is Alma Martinez at #909-421-0104. Memorial services are still being planned and I will email you with the details later. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to email me at rsmith@rialtopd.com. Thank you for your prayers and support.

Robert Smith
President
Rialto Police Benefit Association

I have had an overwhelming number of calls and support from all over the country reference one of my SWAT partners being killed during a search warrant on the morning of 10/18/2007. First off I want to thank everyone for their support. I would also like to dispel any rumors. I have heard numerous off the wall theories that may have occurred. Due to the nature of the investigation I can’t comment on it at this time but I can assure you this was not a friendly fire incident and caused by the suspect who we have in custody.

Officer Sergio Carrera was a 29 year old police officer with approximately 5 years on the job. Sergio was new to our SWAT team with approximately 8 months on. Sergio was a solid SWAT operator and a good tactician. I had done many entries with him and worked patrol on the same shift. Sergio was married and had two small children under the age of 3.

As many of you know, we have a very active SWAT team due to the area we work. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is heading up the investigation and keeping us updated all of the way.

I don’t have any funeral information at this point but will update you when I do. We have set up a fund for Sergio’s family at Arrowhead Credit Union in Rialto. You can contact them directly at (909) 421-0104 and speak with Alma or contact Ron Hartt Rialto PBA treasurer at (909) 820-2515 or e-mail him at mailto:RHartt@rialtopd.com">RHartt@rialtopd.com

Thank you for your support and if possible please forward this information to other agencies for support.

Glen Anderson/Rialto Police Department

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