Deputy in California scrolls through dating app during SWAT operation

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (CNN, KYMA) - A deputy on a SWAT operation in California was caught scrolling on what appears to be a dating app during a standoff with an armed suspect last week.

According to footage captured at the scene, the deputy on the left was on his phone appearing to be on a dating app, scrolling through a woman's profile on the app before swiping left and then swiping left two more times while a barricade was active at that time.

The suspect was still alive at that point and armed, and the deputy behind the cover of the Bearcat is sitting there scrolling through what appears to be a dating app.

Footage captured also shows the back vest of the deputy, with the word SGT on it, indicating he is a sergeant, potentially in a supervisory capacity, with the Riverside County Sheriff's SWAT Team.

He then puts the phone down, but footage captured shows him appearing to be scrolling through a profile of a woman before swiping left and looking at two additional profiles, all the while just feet from the armed barricade suspect.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Office issued the following statement:

"This behavior does not reflect the standards, expectations, or policies of our department. 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 standoff would ultimately end with sheriff's deputies shooting tear gas into the back of the car. The suspect turned the gun on himself.

Riverside County Fire Department paramedics pronounced the man dead at the scene. Authorities have not identified him.

The tactics of the deputy and what he was doing during that armed standoff are being called into question.

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