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Abigail Lopez, 20, Died Following Anaheim Police Shooting On South Anaheim Boulevard
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA (October 30, 2023) – A 20-year-old woman identified as Abigail Lopez has tragically died in an Anaheim Police Department shooting by a Burger King on Ball Road.
Orange County officials are saying that the incident took place around 9:00 a.m. on Sunday. Police got reports about a person in the area who may have been armed with a rifle.
Officers arrived at the scene and encountered Abigail Lopez. Officers told her the drop her weapon before opening fire.
It was later determined that she was only holding a BB or pellet gun. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the woman.
Despite life-saving measures, Abigail Lopez die due to her injuries. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Anaheim Police Shootings
Far too many people are killed or seriously injured every year in police shootings. According to Axios, “A Washington Post analysis examining police shootings since 2015 found that Black Americans are killed by police at more than twice the rate as white Americans. Latinos are killed at a rate 55% higher than whites, according to the Post.” People suffering from untreated mental illness are substantially more likely to be killed during police encounters. There are many steps that police officers should take to avoid deadly confrontations.
- Police officers should typically request backup in high-risk situations.
- Police officers should determine if a suspect is taking medication.
- Police officers should be equipped with less lethal alternatives like tasers.
The ability to use lethal force is one of the most consequential powers that police officers hold. Lethal force should only be used as an absolute measure of last resort. Consider, for example, Tabares v. City of Huntington Beach (9th Cir., Feb. 17, 2021, No. 19-56035) 2021 WL 609854. A Huntington Beach police officer followed Dillan Tabares who was suffering from a mental illness. The officer continued to pursue the suspect even though he had reason to believe that he was mentally ill. After a brief encounter, the officer fatally shot the suspect. County officials later settled with the family. There are many steps that should be taken after any police shooting.
- Body camera footage from all officers involved should be reviewed.
- The training that each officer received should be understood.
- Medical records related to the shooting should be preserved.
- An experienced civil rights attorney should be contacted.
Many police shootings are preventable and involve officers that were poorly trained. Officers may fail to de-escalate encounters. In many situations, they may failed to identify themselves as law enforcement. The family of any person that is killed in a police shooting may have legal recourse through a constitutional claim. A civil rights attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Anaheim Police Shootings
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our deepest condolences to the family of Abigail Lopez. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There needs to be a thorough review of what happened.
Do you need more information about an Anaheim police shooting. Our team of civil rights attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that victims of police brutality are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
