EspañolYong Yang Killed In Koreatown LAPD Shooting While Experiencing Mental Health Crisis At Apartment on South Gramercy Place
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (May 3, 2024) – A man identified as Yong Yang has tragically died in a police shooting with the LAPD during a mental health call at Koreatown apartment.
Authorities are saying that the incident took place around 11:00 a.m. on Thursday. Los Angeles Police Department officials got a mental health call before arriving at a Koreatown apartment.
When they arrived, they encountered Yong Yang who was allegedly armed with a knife. At least one officer opened fire and struck the man.
Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help. Despite life-saving measures, Yong Yang was pronounced dead at the scene.
His brother told reporters that the victim was in the midst of a mental health crisis, and mental health workers were already on the scene when police arrived.
However, officers confronted the man without their assistance. It remains unclear if any of the officers involved will be disciplined.
Liability For Los Angeles Police Department Shootings
A large portion of police shootings involve suspects who are suffering from an untreated mental illness. According to the Treatment Advocacy Center, “The risk of being killed while being approached or stopped by law enforcement in the community is 16 times higher for individuals with untreated serious mental illness than for other civilians.” There are several steps that police officers should take if they encounter a suspect they believe may be mentally ill. These policies are set forth in California’s Peace Officer Standards and Training (“P.O.S.T.”). Officers should:
- Request backup
- Calm the situation
- Avoid physical contact
- Determine if the suspect is taking medication
- Acknowledge the suspect’s feelings
- Not make any threats
Police officers are always supposed to use the least amount of force necessary. Lethal force should only be used as a last resort. A police department could be liable for the excessive force of one of their officers. 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 an officer fails to follow a safety rule set forth by their employer, this may serve as evidence of negligence. Victims of police brutality tend to suffer very serious injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- PTSD
- Organ damage
- Death
The role that mental health plays in police encounters has been largely overlooked. It is important that police officers are properly trained in how to handle these encounters. But far too often, inexperienced officers are put in these situations, and they simply do not know what to do. It is important that victims of police brutality and their families understand that they do have rights. A civil rights attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Koreatown Police Shootings
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP were deeply concerned to hear about this Koreatown police shooting of Yong Yang. The LAPD has a long history of using excessive force on people suffering from mental illnesses. State officials should do their part and implement greater oversight. Seeking mental health for yourself or another person should never become a death sentence. It is our sincere hope that action is taken to prevent similar tragedies.
Do you need more information about a Los Angeles County police shooting? Our team of Los Angeles civil rights attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that victims of police brutality are aware of their constitutional rights. Whether you have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
