EspañolSuspect Allegedly Rammed Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Vehicle Before Being Shot
BELL GARDENS, CALIFORNIA (June 22, 2023) – A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy shot and injured a suspect who was doing donuts in the middle of a Bell Gardens intersection.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the incident took place around 4:30 a.m. by Eastern Avenue and Florence Avenue. A white SUV was allegedly speeding and doing donuts in the intersection.
The deputy entered the intersection to warn other drivers when both vehicles collided. Witnesses said that the SUV driver put their vehicle in reverse and then rammed the patrol vehicle.
It was at that point that the officer opened fire. The suspect was detained following the shooting and treated at the hospital with multiple gunshot wounds.
Meanwhile, the deputy was also taken to the hospital in order to receive treatment.
Liability For Los Angeles Police Shootings
Los Angeles County has one of the highest instances of police shootings across California. According to reporting by the Los Angeles Times, “LAPD officers shot 27 people, killing seven, in all of 2020, and shot 26 people, killing 12, in 2019, The Times reported. Officers shot 33 people in 2018.” People suffering from a mental health condition were over 16 times more likely be killed in encounters with law enforcement. There are many steps that police departments can take to prevent police shootings.
- Police officers should be well trained to deal with all suspects, especially those in the midst of a mental health crisis.
- Police officers should have less lethal options such as tasers.
- All use of force encounters should be critically examined and investigated.
A police department could potentially face liability when a suspect is injured if it is determined that one of their officers used excessive force. According to California Penal Code 835a. (1), the authority to use physical force by police officers is a serious responsibility and shall be used judiciously with respect to human dignity and sanctity of human life. All people in California have the right to be free of excessive force that is carried out under the color of law. Officers are only permitted to use lethal force when it is deemed reasonably necessary in defense of human life.
According to California Assembly Bill No. 392, whether or not an officer’s use of deadly force is reasonable will depend on the “totality of the circumstances” leading up to a fatal encounter. For example, there are protocols that police officers must follow when stopping a suspect. There are also protocols for how police officers should deal with suspects that may be mentally ill. When these protocols are not followed, this can lead to needlessly dangerous situations. There are many steps that should be taken after any police shooting.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Dash cam footage from all officers involved should be reviewed.
- The officer’s actions prior to the use of deadly force should be determined.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
It can be hard to know where to begin after any police shooting. But it is important for victims of excessive force to know that they do have rights. Any person that is injured by the excessive force of police officers may have legal recourse through a civil claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Sadly, though, police departments will often try hard to deny liability if one of their officers shoots someone. An experienced Los Angeles civil rights attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Los Angeles County Police Shootings
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our best wishes to the suspect injured in this deputy involved shooting. It is our sincere hope that there is a thorough investigation into what happened. Lethal force should always the a measure of last resort for officers.
Have you or someone that you love been harmed by the excessive force of Los Angeles police officers? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of civil rights attorneys are committed to getting our clients justice. Whether you just have legal questions or are considering hiring an attorney we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
