EspañolLAPD Vehicle Accelerated Through Crowd of Protesters Near an Immigration and Customs Enforcement Detention Center Before Hitting One Person
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (October 21, 2025) – A Los Angeles Police Department patrol vehicle hit a protester near the intersection of East Commercial Street and North Alameda Street.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the accident took place around 4:30 PM on Saturday. An LAPD patrol vehicle was near a group of protesters outside of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center.
Video footage of the incident shows one man appear to move to the side of the patrol vehicle. The vehicle moves forward and strikes his left leg.
Officers in that vehicle never called for an ambulance. The victim was transported to a hospital in a private vehicle.
A full investigation into the circumstances leading up to the collision remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Police Brutality Involving the LAPD
Police officers in California have a legal obligation to use the least amount of force necessary to accomplish their aims. Police departments can be liable for the excessive force of their officers. According to 42 U.S. Code § 1983, every person who, under the color of law, deprives someone of their rights afforded under the Constitution shall be liable to the injured party in an action at law. There are many ways that an officer may use excessive force.
- Strikes: A police officer may punch, kick, or strike a suspect who has already been restrained or is otherwise cooperating with their demands.
- Illegal Holds: A police officer may place a suspect in an illegal chokehold that restricts their breathing.
- Misuse of Weapons: A police officer may repeatedly use a taser, pepper spray, or baton against suspects who do not pose a threat.
- Vehicles as Weapons: A police officer may intentionally ram or hit pedestrians with their patrol vehicle when there is no threat to the officer.
Every citizen in California and the United States has a constitutional right to freedom of speech and assembly. Police officers must not interfere with these rights, particularly when they are exercised in free speech zones. Despite this, there have been many instances where police officers have seriously maimed protesters who were simply exercising their constitutional rights.
Steps to Take After Police Brutality Involving the LAPD
The Los Angeles Police Department has a long and sordid history when it comes to how they’ve treated protesters over the years. According to one report by The Guardian, “Los Angeles police officers fired more than 1,000 projectiles at protesters on a single day in June as demonstrators pushed back against the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown and decision to deploy the national guard to the country’s second largest city.” It is important that certain actions are taken after any instance of LAPD brutality.
- Medical Attention: Victims should seek medical attention as early as possible. Many of the injuries associated with police brutality may not be immediately obvious.
- Evidence Preservation: All of the physical evidence related to the assault should be collected. This may include surveillance footage and photos of any injuries.
- Legal Review: Any person that is injured due to the excessive force of LAPD officers should seek the guidance of an experienced civil rights attorney. An attorney can hold the police officers accountable for their illegal conduct in a civil claim.
Police departments throughout California have repeatedly demonstrated that they will not accept responsibility when their officers needlessly injure civilians or protesters. It is more likely that they will blame the victim for what happened. This is why it is so important that any instance of police brutality be properly investigated by an attorney. Victims of police brutality are able to recoup monetary damages for their injuries through a civil rights claim.
Investigating Los Angeles Police Department Brutality
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP were deeply concerned to hear about this protester being hit by an LAPD patrol vehicle in Downtown Los Angeles. This was a senseless incident that should not have taken place. Any person with more information should reach out to investigators. There needs to be some accountability for this incident.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured due to the excessive force of LAPD officers? You may be entitled to financial compensation. Our team of Los Angeles County civil rights attorneys is here to help. We care deeply that victims 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.
