OFFICERS QUICKLY ARREST SUSPECT AFTER FATAL SHOOTING

Published: 03/27/2025

OFFICERS QUICKLY ARREST SUSPECT AFTER FATAL SHOOTING

 

RIVERSIDE, CA – On Saturday, March 22, 2025, at around 10:10 p.m., Riverside Police Officers responded to reports of a shooting near Hole Avenue and Mitchell Avenue, located in the La Sierra neighborhood of Riverside. Upon their arrival, officers discovered an unresponsive adult male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.  Firefighter-Paramedics with the Riverside Fire Department treated the victim then he was taken to a local hospital where he died a short time later. 

 

A neighbor reported seeing the suspect run through a yard and discard a firearm.  Officers quickly located and detained the suspect, recovering the discarded handgun nearby.

 

Detectives assigned to the Robbery-Homicide Unit, along with specialists from the Forensics Unit, responded to assume the investigation.  They have been assisted by the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office.  The victim has been identified as 41-year-old David Abarca of Riverside.

 

The preliminary investigation revealed that Mr. Abarca stayed late at work that night, missing his usual ride home and walking instead.  As he neard Hole Avenue and Mitchell Avenue, the suspect approached Mr. Abarca and suddenly shot him without provocation.  Detectives say there is no indications the two knew each other.

 

Mr. Abarca leaves behind a 10-year-old son and had been a dedicated employee at Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill in Riverside for nearly 25 years.

 

Andre Devin Thomas, 23-years-old of Riverside, was arrested and later booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center for murder.  He is being held on one million dollars bail.

 

“This was a senseless act of violence that took the life of a hardworking father, and our hearts go out to Mr. Abarca’s family and loved ones,” stated Riverside Police Chief Larry Gonzalez.  "I commend our officers for their swift response in capturing the suspect, and our detectives and forensic specialists for their diligent work.  We remain committed to seeking justice for Mr. Abarca."

 

This investigation remains ongoing, and no further details are available at this time.  Anyone with additional information should contact Detective Anthony Watkins at (951) 353-7105 or AWatkins@RiversideCA.gov, or Detective Richard Glover at (951) 353-7134 or RGlover@RiversideCA.gov. 

 

For anonymous tips, the Riverside Police Department’s "Atlas 1" mobile app offers a secure "Send a Message" feature. The app is available for download both APPLE and ANDROID devices.

 

** NOTE **

The Abarca family has launched a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses. You can find the link HERE.