EspañolLos Angeles Police Department Involved In Fatal Shooting With Suspect Allegedly Holding Knife Near Main Avenue and Colden Avenue
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (May 20, 2024) – A man tragically died in a South Los Angeles police shooting at the intersection of Main Avenue and Golden Avenue.
Los Angeles Police Department officials are saying that the shooting took place around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. Officers confronted a man in his 30s who was allegedly armed with a knife.
The LAPD officials instructed the suspect to drop the knife prior to an officer-involved shooting. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the man.
He was taken to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. A full investigation into the LAPD shooting remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Los Angeles Police Department Shootings
The LAPD has a very long and sordid history of using excessive force on suspects. According to the Los Angeles Times, “Police opened fire on civilians 31 times last year, striking 23 people; of those, 14 people were killed, according to a draft copy of the LAPD’s annual use-of-force report posted to the department’s website last week.” Police departments should take a number of steps to prevent the occurrence of police shootings.
- Police officers should have access to tasers and bean bag rounds.
- Police officers should be trained to de-escalate encounters.
- Police officers should typically be trained to wait for backup in high-risk situations.
A police department in California could be liable if one of their officers killed a suspect. 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. If a police officer fails to follow a safety rule from their department, this may constitute evidence of negligence. There are several situations where officers should abstain from shooting suspects.
- Police officers should not shoot a suspect or use force once they have already been subdued.
- Police officers should not shoot suspects merely because they are attempting to flee.
- Police officers should not shoot suspects that do not pose a threat to the officer or anyone else.
It can be hard to know where to begin after any police shooting. Police departments will often investigate the actions of their officers only to determine that those officers did nothing wrong. But the fact of the matter is that many police shootings involve officers who are either unwilling or unable to de-escalate encounters. The family of any person who died in a police shooting may be able to seek some measure of justice 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 Police Department Shootings
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man who died in this LAPD shooting. 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 tragedies.
Do you need more information about a Los Angeles Police Department shooting? Our team of civil rights attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that people are aware of their rights and that police departments are held accountable for their 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.
