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One Person Injured In Palm Desert Police Shooting

Suspect Injured In Palm Desert Police Shooting At Home Off State Highway 74

PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA (December 30, 2023) – A man was seriously injured following a deputy-involved shooting in Palm Desert at a home off State Highway 74.

Palm Desert police officials are saying that the incident began around 2:45 a.m. on Sunday. Police were called after getting a report that someone broke into a home.

When police arrived at the home, they were able to detain one suspect. A second suspect allegedly approached them with a knife.

Officers opened fire and struck the suspect. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the injured suspect. The first suspect was taken to the police station and the second was taken to a local area hospital.

A full investigation into the Palm Desert shooting remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Palm Desert Police Shootings

Thousands of people are killed or seriously injured every year following police encounters. According to the Public Policy Institute of California, “About 195 people die each year from interactions with California law enforcement. Gunshots are by far the most common cause of death: nearly 250 people are shot by police each year.” There are a number of steps that police departments should take in order to prevent police shootings.

  • Police departments should foster positive relationships between officers and the community.
  • Officers should be trained in de-escalation techniques.
  • Police departments should have clear use-of-force policies.

Depending on the facts of any case, a police department could be liable if one of their officers shoots a suspect. Police officers are given a great deal of discretion with how they perform their job duties, but they are not permitted to use excessive force. 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. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after a police shooting.

  • Body camera footage from all officers involved should be examined.
  • Surveillance footage of the incident should be sought.
  • Medical records for the deceased should be reviewed.
  • The actions of police officers leading up to the shooting should be known.

Police departments are supposed to use lethal force only as a measure of last resort. But far too often this does not take place. This is particularly true when the police are dealing with suspects in the midst of a mental health crisis. Any person that is injured 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 Riverside County Police Shootings

We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our best wishes to the person injured in this Palm Desert police shooting. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There needs to be some accountability for what happened.

Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Palm Desert police shooting? You may have legal recourse. Our team of civil rights advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that inmates are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. 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.

Author

MICHAEL S. CARRILLO, Partner

Michael works on high-profile cases that have garnered national media attention. His practice today focuses on child sexual abuse cases, police misconduct cases, catastrophic injuries and other wrongful death matters. He is a passionate advocate for his clients including the countless child sexual abuse victims he currently represents.