EspañolLos Angeles Police Department Officials Involved In Fatal Shooting of Male Suspect Identified Along Town Avenue Near Skid Row
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (February 4, 2024) – A male suspect was shot and killed by the Los Angeles Police Department after a brief altercation near Skid Row.
Los Angeles officials are saying that the incident took place around 2:14 p.m. on Saturday. The LAPD received a call about a man threatening employees at a local manufacturing business.
When officers arrived, they encountered a man whom they claim was armed with a stick. Officers deployed less-lethal munitions, but those were not effective at subduing the man.
Not long after the initial encounter, LAPD officers opened fire and struck the suspect. Paramedics were called to the scene and took the suspect to the hospital.
Despite life-saving measures, he was later pronounced dead.
Liability For Los Angeles Police Department Shootings
There has been a sharp rise and homelessness and mental health disorders across California. Los Angeles County and Skid Row have been disproportionately affected. According to the County of Los Angeles Homeless Initiative, “About 36% of people experiencing homelessness in Skid Row reported a serious mental illness, 33% reported substance use disorder, 25% reported physical disability, and 13% reported a developmental disability. Meanwhile, 38% reported having experienced domestic violence or intimate partner violence.” There are a number of signs that a suspect may be in the midst of a mental health crisis.
- Suspects may display erratic or unpredictable behavior such as extreme agitation or hyperactivity.
- Suspects may show intense emotions like fear, anger or extreme mood swings.
- Suspects may have disconnected thoughts and may be incoherent.
- Suspects may express beliefs not based in reality or they may experience hallucinations.
It has been estimated that people with untreated mental illness were nearly 16 times more likely to be killed in police encounters than the general public. This is why it is so important that police officers follow all protocols for dealing with mentally ill suspects. When these protocols are not followed, this could form the basis of a constitutional claim. Consider, for example, Tabares v. City of Huntington Beach (9th Cir., Feb. 17, 2021, No. 19-56035) 2021 WL 609854. In that case, an officer failed to follow police protocol for dealing with mentally ill suspects before a man was fatally shot. These policies are outlined in California’s Peace Officer Standards and Training (“P.O.S.T.”). Officers must:
- Request backup
- Calm the situation
- Avoid physical contact
- Determine if the suspect is taking medication
- Acknowledge the suspect’s feelings
- Not make any threats
The decision to use lethal force must always be a measure of last resort after all other options have been considered. Sadly, though, officers that are poorly trained often fail to take appropriate action in situations where a suspect is intoxicated or mentally ill. It is important for victims of police brutality to understand that they do have rights. The family of any person that died 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 Los Angeles County Police Shootings
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP were very concerned to hear about this fatal LAPD shooting near Skid Row. There needs to be a thorough investigation into why police officers thought it was necessary to shoot and kill a man allegedly holding a stick. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other tragedies like this.
Have you or someone that you care about been harmed by the Los Angeles Police Department? You may have legal recourse. Our team of civil rights attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We are committed to helping victims of police brutality understand their rights and holding law enforcement accountable for their illegal actions. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
