Vivas v. County of Riverside
Police shooting of 18 y.o. man who had just committed armed burglary but was visibly unarmed at time of shooting; gunshot wound to back resulted in paraplegia.
Police Shooting
Simplis v. Culver City
Police shooting of 27 y.o. man who allegedly spun and pointed shiny object at an officer during high-risk vehicle stop; witnesses disputed officer’s account; survived by four children.
Montalvo v. County of Los Angeles
Police shooting after vehicle pursuit of 29 y.o. man; survived by wife and two children. Settled post-verdict for $8.85M.
Ellis v. City of Albuquerque
Officer shot mentally ill man holding a gun to his own head during standoff.
Lam v. City of San Jose
Officer shot emotionally disturbed man holding knife, leaving him paralyzed. Affirmed in full by Ninth Circuit. Eventually settled for full verdict plus interest, costs, and attorneys’ fees.
Gallardo v. Reineccius
Police Shooting of 64 y.o. man, who police claimed was armed with knife, during SWAT raid of his home; survived by wife and 13 children.
Mendoza v. Los Angeles County
Deputies mistakenly shot and killed 54 y.o. man during standoff with armed gang member who had taken family hostage inside home; deputies mistook homeowner for suspect.
Ovando v. City of Los Angeles
Police officers from “Rampart Division” shot gang member, leaving him paralyzed; 2 officers convicted from this shooting.
Thomas v. Pierce County
30 y.o. emotionally disturbed man killed by SWAT sniper on his front porch, while grasping his 7 y.o. son. Decedent’s mother had called police after they argued and he had slapped a cell phone out of her hand. SWAT arrived with Bearcat; 4 hour standoff ensued; Decedent was drunk and belligerent inside the home with his son. Decedent finally agreed to give up son on front porch. Swat team exploded a flash bang in the home, and when Decedent grabbed for his son, sniper shot him. Survived by son and Decedent’s parents.
Ruszczyk v. Minneapolis
40 y.o. woman who had called police about another person possibly being assaulted behind her house, shot by police officer as she approached his squad car unarmed. Officer was convicted of third degree murder; decedent survived by parents.