EspañolBody Camera Footage Shows 14-Year-Old With Hands Up Before Being Shot By Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department In Commerce
COMMERCE, CALIFORNIA (July 24, 2024) – A 14-year-old boy was injured in a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department shooting in Commerce along Cowlin Avenue.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the incident took place on July 2. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department officials were responding to reports of a stolen vehicle.
An officer pursued one of the teens through a Commerce neighborhood. Surveillance footage shows the moment the teen raised his hands and allegedly pulled something from his pocket.
The LA deputy opened fire and shot the teen. According to the LASD, he was holding a weapon. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the boy.
He was taken to the hospital in order to receive treatment. Body-cam footage of the incident has left a number of neighbors asking if the shooting was really necessary.
Liability For Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Shootings
Police shootings remain alarmingly common across California and Los Angeles. According to the Public Policy Institute of California, “In about 80 percent of encounters resulting in death or a gunshot wound, the civilian was armed with a weapon, underscoring the risky environments officers face. However, when we also consider civilians who sustained other serious injuries, 56 percent were unarmed.” Police departments should take a number of measures in order to prevent police shootings.
- Police officers should be trained to de-escalate encounters.
- Police officers should be trained to understand when a suspect is in the midst of a mental health crisis.
- Police officers should follow a use-of-force continuum.
- Police officers should be equipped with less-lethal options like tasers.
Police officers tend to have a great deal of leeway in how they go about performing their job duties. But at no point may officers 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 certain steps be taken after any police shooting.
- Body camera footage from all officers involved should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- A civil rights attorney should be contacted.
The actions of police officers leading up to a shooting may render their actions unreasonable. This is true even if their actions appeared reasonable when viewed in isolation. For example, an officer may not have followed protocol for dealing with a suspect in the midst of a mental health crisis. Any person injured in a police shooting may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.
Investigating Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Shootings
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP were deeply concerned to hear about this shooting of a 14-year-old in Commerce. There needs to be a thorough review of the actions of the sheriff’s deputies. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other incidents like this.
Do you need more information about a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s 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.
