Officers who responded to armed robbery in Chino placed on leave

Six police officers who responded to a fatal armed robbery at Papa John's Pizza on Sunday night were placed on administrative leave, city officials said Wednesday.

The action follows department policy for officers involved in shootings or serious accidents.

Sunday's incident between police and two suspects resulted in the death of bystander Daniel Balandran, a 24-year-old Rubidoux man, who was shot by an officer responding to the incident.

City administrative policy stated the leave should continue unless Police Chief Stan Stewart orders otherwise.

"The purpose of an administrative leave is to help the member adjust and handle any personal or emotional needs resulting from traumatic events such as an officer-involved shooting or a serious injury traffic collision," according to a city statement.

Stewart addressed the incident at Tuesday night's City Council meeting.

"Very tragically, during this exchange of gunfire, a person believed to be a third suspect was shot by one of our officers," Stewart said. "This never would have occurred if not for the actions of suspects (Edward) Cisneros and (Joel) Jaquez."

He added, "In my nearly 30 years of service with the Chino Police Department, this is, without question, one of the most significant and challenging calls to duty that I have ever seen. These officers and our citizens were clearly put in harm's way. Their job is extremely tough, and they strive to provide the best possible services to this community."

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department is investigating both the robbery and whether there was any wrongdoing in Balandran's death, said Chino spokeswoman Michelle Van Der Linden.

A report will be made available to the District Attorney's Office to consider whether to file any criminal charges. It was unclear when the sheriff's report would be completed, Van Der Linden said.

Three people, including a Chino police officer, were injured in the robbery. The officer, who was among those placed on administrative leave, is expected to survive, while Cisneros, of La Mirada, and Jaquez, of Hacienda Heights, were being treated for serious wounds at a hospital.