EspañolSuspect Allegedly Opened Fire During Traffic Stop In South Los Angeles Before Being Shot By Police Officers
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (June 28, 2023) – One person was shot and killed by Los Angeles Police Department officers during a traffic stop near the intersection of Florence and Western.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the incident took place around 1:50 a.m. on Wednesday. Officers pulled over a driver for unknown reasons. A man appeared from around the corner and allegedly opened fire.
Officers were not sure what he was firing at. Shortly after this, officers returned fire and hit the suspect. The officer attempted CPR, but the suspect died at the scene.
A preliminary investigation revealed the man had a Polymer80 ghost gun. Ghost guns are created outside of any official manufacturing process and can therefore be hard to regulate.
Not long after the shooting, officers discovered there was an illegal marijuana dispensary operating nearby. Five people were detained at the scene.
The driver who was initially pulled over was unharmed and taken to an LAPD station in order to be questioned as a witness.
Liability For Los Angeles Police Department Shootings
Far too many people are seriously injured or killed in police shootings every year. According to one analysis by the Washington Post, 1,042 people were killed by police officers in 2021. Another 4,000 were injured in police shootings. It is estimated that people suffering from a mental health condition were more than 16 times more likely to be killed in police shootings. There are several steps that police officers should take in order to reduce the likelihood of fatal encounters with suspects.
- Police officers should be well trained to de-escalate encounters with suspects.
- Police officers should be able to identify situations when a suspect is in the midst of a mental health crisis.
- Police officers should issue clear commands to suspects before resorting to lethal force.
Lethal force should always be a measure of last resort for officers. According to California Penal Code 835a. (1), all officers must respect the dignity and sanctity of human life. In general, deadly force may only be used when necessary to defend human life. When a Los Angeles Police Department officer uses excessive force, the LAPD could be held vicariously liable. As outlined in California Assembly Bill No. 392, whether or not an officer’s use of deadly force is reasonable will depend on the “totality of the circumstances” leading up to a fatal encounter. Several steps should be taken after any use of force incident with the LAPD.
- Body camera footage from all officers involved should be examined.
- The action’s of all officers leading up to the shooting should be understood.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
- An experienced civil rights attorney should be contacted.
The vast majority of police shootings are preventable. In particular, officers with ample training tend not to resort to lethal force as quickly as poorly trained officers. It is important that victims of excessive force understand that they do have rights. The family of any person that is killed in a police shooting may be able to seek aid through a civil claim. Unfortunately, police departments are rarely transparent about use of force incidents involving their officers. An experienced civil rights attorney can examine 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 members of the person that died in this incident. It is our sincere hope that the LAPD is totally transparent about what took place. Any person that may have more information about what happened should speak with investigators.
Have you or someone that you loved been harmed by the actions of LAPD officers? You may have legal recourse through a civil claim. Our team of civil rights attorneys are committed to holding the Los Angeles Police Department accountable for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support we may be able to help. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
