EspañolFemale Cancer Patient Thrown To Ground While Filming LAPD Officers Outside WinCo grocery Store In Lancaster
LANCASTER, CALIFORNIA (July 5, 2023) – An investigation is underway after a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy threw a woman to the ground outside a WinCo grocery store in Lancaster.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the incident took place around June 24. Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies were apprehending a man accused of shoplifting a cake at the WinCo grocery store.
A woman was recording the encounter when she was grabbed by a deputy and slammed to the ground. Onlookers filming the incident yelled for the deputy to stop. Another voice from the crowd could be heard saying that she’s a cancer patient.
Activists have said that the video of the encounter shows that deputies are out of control. Both deputies involved in the incident have been re-assigned from field duty following a full administrative review.
WinCo has not released any statements following the incident.
Liability For Use of Force Encounters With The LAPD
Use of force encounters are far too common across Los Angeles County. According to Los Angeles Magazine, “in 2019 there were 2,320 non-categorical use of force (NCUOF) incidents, up nine percent from the 2018 figure of 2,125. In 2015 the department recorded 1,825 NCUOF incidents.” From 2017 to 2019, there have been more than 2,200 unauthorized force complaints against LAPD officers. These instances included a wide variety of conduct including:
- Failing to issue verbal commands before using force
- Not following proper procedures during arrests
- The unathorized use of firearms
- The unathorized use of tasers
- Using improper restraints on suspects
- Causing harm to restrained suspects
It is illegal for a police officer to deprive someone of their rights afforded by the constitution while acting under the color of law (18 U.S.C. §§ 241, 242). The constitution also protects citizens against illegal searches and seizures. When a police officer oversteps their authority and uses excessive force, this could form the basis of a civil claim. Any action or procedure that goes past a police officer’s established limits of force during an arrest or related duties could be considered excessive force.
In general, officers are always required to use the least amount of force necessary to get suspects to comply with their demands. They must also issue verbal commands to suspects before using any type of force. When a suspect or bystander does not pose any threat, officers should never hit, kick or throw them. There are a number of steps that should be taken following any suspected instance of excessive force.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Body camera footage from the officers should be reviewed.
- An experienced civil rights attorney should be contacted.
The LAPD has a particularly poor record when it comes to how they treat people. Even after they review unauthorized force claims, they will regularly conclude their officers did nothing wrong. Any person that is injured due to the excessive force of LAPD officers may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim. Damages can help cover many of the expenses that often come with police abuse.
Investigating Los Angeles County Excessive Force Claims
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our best wishes to the woman injured in this incident by the Lancaster WinCo. The body camera footage from the officers involved remains deeply disturbing. It is our sincere hope that there is a thorough review of what happened and that steps are taken to prevent other instances like this.
Have you or someone that you care about been harmed by the excessive force of a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy? You may have legal recourse. Our team of highly experienced Los Angeles civil rights lawyers are here for you. We care deeply that victims of police abuse are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or are thinking about hiring an attorney we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
