The family of Arturo Cerna, a 34-year-old man shot and killed by LA County Sheriff's deputies in Carson last August, is suing LA County, alleging excessive force. The lawsuit claims Cerna was shot four times in the back by deputies, an action the family deems unjustified.
"I just want justice because it was not right what they did to my son," Cerna's mother, who wishes to remain anonymous, stated during a press conference with her attorneys. The lawsuit targets six deputies and five supervisors, whom the family holds responsible for Cerna's death.
The incident occurred on August 7, 2023, at 2:20 a.m. after a gas station called for help, reporting that Cerna, who was homeless, was acting erratically and screaming. His mother revealed that he struggled with schizophrenia and drug addiction, explaining, "It wasn't that we wanted him in the street, but that was his decision. He was a grown-up man, but he was a really good son before he started all this addiction he went through."
Attorneys for the family argue that the situation could have been de-escalated. Attorney Michael Carrillo pointed out that Cerna complied with the deputies' orders. In a video released by the Sheriff's Department, a deputy is heard saying, "I'm going to hit him with a 40 if he goes for his pocket," referring to a less-than-lethal weapon. Despite this, Carrillo noted, "This officer fires less lethal. One of the other officers who is named as a defendant shoots four times lethal."
Attorney Luis Carrillo emphasized, "Police officers are trained that you cannot shoot unless there is an imminent threat to your life or to someone else's life. There was no imminent threat here at all."
The Sheriff's Department issued a statement acknowledging the lawsuit, stating, "The Department has not officially received this lawsuit but takes all deputy-involved shootings seriously... With any deputy-involved shooting, there is a robust review process." The case will also be reviewed by the LA County District Attorney's office.
Link: FoxLA
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