EspañolInvestigation Underway After Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Deputies Shoot Man Holding ‘Metal Stick’ At East LA El Tio Tono Market Near Pomeroy Street and N. Eastman Avenue
EAST LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (March 17, 2024) – A man was shot by LA deputies at El Tio Tono Market, near the intersection of Pomeroy Street and N. Eastman Avenue.
LA authorities are saying that the incident took place on Friday evening. Deputies received reports about a man who was allegedly harassing people at the El Tio Tono Market.
When they arrived at the scene, they confronted a man who was allegedly holding some type of metal stick. Not long after that initial encounter, deputies opened fire and struck the suspect.
Paramedics were called to the El Tio Tono Market in order to help the man. However, the extent of his injuries remains unknown at this time.
Liability For East Los Angeles Police Shootings
California has one of the highest instances of police shootings in the United States. Many of these encounters involve suspects who are in the midst of a mental health crisis. According to the Treatment Advocacy Center, “The risk of being killed while being approached or stopped by law enforcement in the community is 16 times higher for individuals with untreated serious mental illness than for other civilians.” If officers have reason to believe that a suspect has a mental illness, they must take a number of steps.
- Request backup.
- Calm the situation.
- Avoid physical contact.
- Determine if the suspect is taking medication.
- Acknowledge the suspect’s feelings.
- Not make any threats.
Police officers must do everything in their power to avoid needlessly harming suspects. This includes taking steps to de-escalate encounters. It also includes using less-lethal measures when possible prior to shooting suspects. 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. Officers have specific guidelines for when they must interact with mentally ill suspects. If a police officer used excessive force and killed or injured a suspect, this could form the basis of a constitutional claim.
- Police officers should never shoot a suspect merely because they are attempting to flee.
- Police officers should not shoot a suspect who does not pose an immediate threat to anyone.
- Police officers should not shoot or hit a suspect who has already been restrained or subdued.
There are policies and procedures that police officers must follow. These policies are especially important when a suspect may be in a mental health crisis or under the influence of drugs. Sadly, though, many police officers have little to no training in how to respond during these encounters. It is important that victims of police brutality understand that they do have rights. The family of any person who is killed in a police shooting may have legal recourse through a civil 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 East Los Angeles Police Shootings
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our best wishes to the man injured in this shooting at the El Tio Tono Market. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent similar incidents.
Do you need more information about an East Los Angeles police shooting? Our team of civil rights attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that victims of police brutality understand 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.
