EspañolInvestigation Underway After California Highway Patrol Officer Shot and Killed Man in San Jacinto by Gilman Springs Road
SAN JACINTO, CALIFORNIA (February 20, 2025) – A man has tragically died after being shot by a California Highway Patrol officer in San Jacinto by Gilman Springs Road and the 79 Freeway.
California Highway Patrol is saying that the incident took place around 4:45 PM on Monday. An officer was called to the scene after getting reports about a man who was allegedly throwing rocks at vehicles.
Officers issued verbal commands for the man to stop. But he allegedly continued to approach officers before being shot.
Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene. A full investigation into the incident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Riverside County Police Shootings
Thousands of people are killed or seriously injured every year during police encounters. Many of these people were struggling with a serious mental illness at the time of the incident. According to the International Bipolar Foundation, “Nationwide, at least 25% of people who are shot and killed by police officers suffer from acute mental illness at the time of their death. People with untreated mental illness are 16 times more likely to be fatally shot during an encounter with police than people with their mental illnesses under control.” There are a number of measures that police officers should take in order to avoid harming people in the midst of a mental health crisis.
- 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 ability to use lethal force is one of the most consequential powers that police officers hold. It should only ever be used as an absolute measure of last resort. 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 people who may be suffering from an acute mental health crisis. Failure to follow these guidelines could serve as evidence of negligence. It is important that certain steps are taken after any fatal police shooting.
- The actions of police officers leading up to the encounter should be understood.
- Body camera footage from all officers involved should be reviewed.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records related to the shooting should be collected.
When determining whether or not any use of force was reasonable, it is important to look at the situation as a whole. An officers use of force may have been unreasonable, given the totality of the circumstances, even if it appeared reasonable when the moment of the shooting is viewed in isolation. It is important that people affected by excessive force and their families understand that they do have legal rights. The family of any person who is killed in a police shooting may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim.
Investigating Riverside County Police Shootings
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man killed in this San Jacinto police shooting. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to California Highway Patrol. This is a deeply unfortunate incident that should not have taken place. It is our sincere hope that there is transparency and accountability for the sake of the victim’s family.
Do you need more information about a Riverside County police shooting? Our team of civil rights advocates is here to assist you in any way that we can. We are committed to helping the public understand their rights and holding law-enforcement accountable for their illegal and excessive force. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any particular incident, we are here for you. You can contact our office anytime at 626-799-9375.
