EspañolOscar Lopez (Full Name: Oscar Vasquez Lopez) Died After Conoga Park Shooting With Los Angeles Police Department Officials
CONOGA PARK, CALIFORNIA (October 9, 2023) – A suspect identified as Oscar Lopez has tragically died in a Conoga Park police shooting following a traffic stop at CVS pharmacy on Sherman Way.
Los Angeles Police Department officials are saying that the incident took place around 1:05 a.m. on Saturday. The LAPD stopped a pickup truck at a CVS along Sherman Way.
Officers encountered Oscar Lopez and at some point during the encounter opened fire. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help him.
Despite life-saving measures, Oscar Lopez was pronounced dead at the scene by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics. Authorities are saying that the suspect was armed when he was shot, but it remains unclear if the weapon was ever brandished at any point.
A full investigation into the incident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Los Angeles Police Department Shootings
The Los Angeles Police Department has a long and sordid history with respect to how it has treated suspects. Many of these encounters have ended in fatal police shootings. According to the Los Angeles Times, “LAPD officers shot 27 people, killing seven, in all of 2020, and shot 26 people, killing 12, in 2019, The Times reported. Officers shot 33 people in 2018.” Many of the people who are killed in police shootings each year are suffering from untreated mental illness. There are many steps that police departments should take in order to reduce the number of police shootings:
- Police officers should be trained to de-escalate encounters with suspects.
- Police officers should follow guidelines for dealing with mentally ill suspects.
- Police officers should determine if a suspect is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Police officers should typically wait for backup in high risk situations.
All police officers have a legal obligation to use the least amount of force necessary when they are apprehending a suspect. If a police officer uses excessive force and kills a suspect, this could form the basis of a constitutional claim. 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 any police shooting:
- Body camera footage from all officers involved should be sought.
- Medical records related to the shooting should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- The actions of officers leading up to the encounter should be understood.
Many police shootings are preventable and involve officers who are poorly trained. Sadly, it is common for police departments to do everything that they can to deny responsibility when one of their officers kills a suspect. It is important that victims of police brutality understand that they do have rights. In particular, the family of any person that is killed in a police shooting may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.
Investigating Los Angeles Police Department Shootings
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our deepest condolences to the family of Oscar Lopez. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There needs to be some accountability for the sake of this man’s family.
Have you or someone that you care about been harmed by the LAPD? There are many laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of civil rights attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that victims of police brutality 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.
