EspañolLos Angeles County Sheriff’s Officers Shoot Man Holding Paint Roller After Domestic Disturbance Call
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (May 3, 2024) – A man was injured in a La Puente police shooting after authorities responded to a domestic disturbance call at a home on Willow Avenue.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the incident took place around 1:20 a.m. on Friday. When L.A. Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the home, they encountered a man arguing with family members outside.
As deputies tried to detain the man, he picked up a paint roller. Deputies instructed the man to drop the paint roller before using pepper spray on him.
At some point during the encounter, a deputy opened fire and shot the man. Paramedics were called to the La Puente home in order to help the victim.
He was transported to a local hospital, where he has been listed in stable condition. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Los Angeles County Police Shootings
Law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles have a long history of shooting unarmed suspects. According to the Los Angeles Times, an LAPD officer broke the law when he shot a mentally ill veteran holding an auto body part in Leimert Park. The LAPD also faces a lawsuit after they shot and killed a double amputee in a wheelchair. The LAPD and LA County Sheriff’s Office have faced a number of criticisms for their use-of-force encounters.
- There are concerns with respect to racial bias, as African-Americans and Latinos are disproportionately impacted by police shootings.
- The LAPD has a history of using lethal force on suspects suffering from an undiagnosed mental illness.
- Some critics have argued that the LAPD’s training and policies regarding use-of-force are inadequate.
Depending on the facts of any case, a police department could be liable if 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 the 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.
There are regulations that police officers must abide by when it comes to using lethal force. Among other things, officers must do their best to de-escalate encounters. There are additional protocols that must be followed if a suspect is mentally ill. An officer’s “failure to follow a safety rule promulgated by his employer, regardless of its substance, serves as evidence of negligence.” See, for example, Grudt, 468 P.2d at 831 (citation omitted); see People v. Brown, 245 Cal. App. 4th 140, 171 (Ct. App. 2016). Certain steps should be taken after any police shooting.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Body camera footage from all officers involved should be reviewed.
- An experienced Los Angeles civil rights attorney should be contacted.
Police shootings are often highly preventable. They tend to involve officers who are either unwilling or unable to de-escalate tense encounters. Sadly, though, the LAPD and law enforcement agencies across California have demonstrated time and time again that they will do everything in their power to deny responsibility if their officers injure a suspect. This is why it is so crucial for victims of police brutality to seek legal aid early on.
Investigating La Puente Police Shootings
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP were deeply concerned to hear about this L.A. County Sheriff’s Department shooting in La Puente. It is outrageous that officers would use lethal force on a man holding a paint roller. This is yet another example of law enforcement acting recklessly. It is our sincere hope that there is a thorough investigation into what went wrong and some accountability for the sake of the victim and his family.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured by police brutality? You may have legal recourse. Our team of Los Angeles civil rights attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We are committed to helping survivors get justice and holding law enforcement accountable for their illegal and unconstitutional actions. 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.
