The family of Caesar Cruz has filed an Orange County, California wrongful death claim against the city of Anaheim. They claim that the 35-year-old Fullerton man was executed on December 11, 2009 by police while he was in his car in the Wal-Mart parking lot at the Anaheim Plaza shopping center. Cruz was getting ready to pick up his kids from school.
Police had followed his SUV to the lot. They had been searching for an ex-parolee who reportedly been carrying a gun while driving around in a green Chevrolet. After boxing Cruz's car in, at least four cops reportedly shot at his vehicle.
At the time of the shooting, Cruz, who had been convicted of one count of drug possession with intent to sell in 2002 and had already served his time, was not on parole. The family's Anaheim police brutality claim accuses the cops of killing the victim by "police execution" even when he showed "no resistance." A handgun was found in the vehicle. The Orange County District Attorney's Office is looking into whether criminal charges should be filed against the cops over the fatal shooting incident.
Cruz leaves behind his parents, his wife Jennifer, and children Mando, 7, Cisco, 10, Sonny, 12, Chad, and Michael 18. On Thursday, three months to the day that he was fatally shot, family and friends protested outside the Anaheim police headquarters to let them know that they hadn't forgotten what happened to the slain man.
Police Brutality
Intentional use of excessive force to apprehend a suspect is considered police brutality and misconduct. Even if criminal charges aren't filed against the cops that were involved, an experienced Anaheim personal injury law firm can help you prove that you or your loved one is entitled to compensation for the physical and emotional harm suffered, as well as for the violation of one's civil rights.
Family: Man killed by 'police execution', OC Register, March 11, 2010
Related Web Resources:
Anaheim Police Department
Shielded from Justice, Police Brutality
