With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, the community mourns the tragic passing of Ruben Perez, 52, of Riverside, who died following an incident on Tuesday morning, April 7, 2026, in the 5000 block of Jones Avenue.
According to the Riverside Police Department, officers responded at approximately 5:54 a.m. after multiple residents reported a man walking in the roadway, yelling and throwing rocks at vehicles. Officers located Perez behaving erratically in front of a residence and took him into custody.
Shortly after being detained, officers observed Perez experiencing a medical emergency. Life-saving measures were immediately started by officers and later continued by firefighter-paramedics from the Riverside Fire Department. Despite these efforts, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Riverside Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Unit, along with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Force Investigations Detail, responded and assumed the investigation. The Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office is assisting as officials work to determine the exact cause of death, which remains pending autopsy and toxicology results.
As the investigation continues, loved ones are left grieving an unexpected and heartbreaking loss. Those who knew Ruben are mourning his passing and the circumstances surrounding his final moments.
Ruben Perez will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love, sorrow, and respect.
