Recently in Police Brutality Category

July 7, 2010

Laguna Beach Wrongful Death Claim Accuses City Police of Excessive Use of Force in Fatal Shooting

The family of Colby Koenig has filed an Orange County, California wrongful death claim against the city of Laguna Beach. The Foothill Ranch resident was fatally shot by police on January 12 at Pacific Coast Highway and St. Anne's Drive.

According to witnesses, police shot at the 25-year-old driver at least five times as he was fleeing a multi-vehicle crash site and after he had disregarded their command that he stop his 2006 Mitsubishi Evolution, which had just struck five vehicles at the St. Anne's intersection. Koenig had allegedly been driving his car at a speed of up to 100 mph on the wrong side of Coast Highway.

The family's Laguna Beach wrongful death claim says that Koenig was unarmed when he was shot and did not pose a threat to anyone. His family is asserting that inadequate training lead to the use of deadly force. They claim that the Laguna Beach police are known for improper use of police force.

Prior to his death Koenig was charged with assault with a deadly weapon The Laguna Beach police shooting is under investigation. An article published in the Laguna Beach Independent last January says that police say they shot him because they were afraid bystanders might get hurt.

Koenig's family says that, civil rights violations, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and civil conspiracy also transpired, in addition to wrongful death.

Excessive Use of Police Force
Suspects and innocent bystanders should not have to die because a police officer used excessive force. If you were a victim of police brutality or improper use of force, your civil rights have been violated. Do not be afraid to report the incident to the authorities. It is also important that you explore your Laguna Beach personal injury options.

Family of driver shot by Laguna Beach Police file claim, The OC Register, July 2, 2010

Speeding Driver Dies in Aftermath of Police Shooting, The Laguna Beach Independent, January 15, 2010


Related Web Resources:

Laguna Beach Police, Laguna Beach, Ca

Police Use of Excessive Force, Department of Justice

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May 18, 2010

Anaheim Police Brutality: Former Cop Convicted of Sexual Assault

Bradley Stewart Wagner, a former Anaheim police officer and a Perris resident, has pleaded guilty to the California felony crimes of oral copulation under the color of authority, forcible oral copulation, false imprisonment by violence or deceit, and sexual battery by restraint. He also pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor crime of being an officer acting without regular process.

The 62-year-old was arrested in November 2005 after an undocumented woman claimed that the cop threatened to deport her if she did not perform a sex act on him. Following the 40-year-old's allegations, two other undocumented women came forward. One woman accused him of sexually assaulting her. The other woman said that over a three-month-period, Wagner pulled her over four times and asked her personal questions. He never ticketed her for any violations. All of the incidents occurred while he was on duty as an Anaheim police officer.

Orange County, California Police Brutality
If you were sexually assaulted, molested, or harassed by a police officer, not only were you a victim of a violent crime, but also you're civil rights have were violated and you may have grounds for an Orange County, California police brutality lawsuit that would allow you to claim damages.

For example, on May 6, a woman filed a Huntington Beach police brutality lawsuit against the city claiming that its police department and police chief attempted to cover up the sexual crimes (including sodomy and rape) committed against her by her ex-boyfriend. Aileen Mignosa's Orange County, California personal injury lawsuit alleges battery, assault, stalking, false imprisonment, deprivation of civil rights, and intentional infliction of emotional distress by former Huntington Beach police officer James Roberts III.

Roberts, who was arrested in September and fired from his job in April following an internal investigation, has pleaded not guilty to 20 felony counts. His wife also filed a Huntington Beach civil rights violation complaint against the city for the sexual assault and abuse that she says the former cop committed against her.

Huntington Beach police covered up abuse by fellow officer, new lawsuit alleges, Los Angeles Times, May 18, 2010

Ex-Anaheim officer used badge to assault women, OC Register, May 18, 2010


Related Web Resources:
Anaheim Police Department

Huntington Beach Police Department

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May 7, 2010

Orange County, California settles excessive force lawsuit involving cop who tackled man who was hugging his mom

An Orange County, California police brutality lawsuit filed by Gabriel Celli and his mom Nancy Turner against the county has been settled. Celli and his mom were embracing each other in the street early on January 1, 2006 when they were tackled by a county deputy who then began hitting Celli. The incident was caught on videotape by the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

The altercation took place after Celli tried to break up a brawl outside his home between two deputies and his neighbor Kurt Chapman. One of the deputy's is accused of striking Celli with a baton. Police acknowledge that they hit Celli but they say that it was because he "interfered."

Another deputy, Jason Perez, then got out of his vehicle and tackled Celli and Turner, who at this point where embracing each other. Perez then hit Celli. He said that based on the information he had, he "needed to gain control of Celli" right away and that the suspect kept trying to get back up.

Celli was arrested for resisting arrest but he was later acquitted of the charge. However, Celli claims that police he "punched and kicked" him while he was in jail.

Because of the alleged Orange County, California police brutality incident, Celli said that he wasn't able to leave his home for six months and he set up cameras to record police vehicles that were parked outside his residence. He claims that the cops purposely drove by his home to intimidate him.

In their Orange County, California personal injury lawsuit alleging civil rights violations, Celli and Turner had sought $10 million. They agreed to settle for $200,000.

Orange County, California Police Brutality
Police officers are forbidden from using excessive force when detaining or arresting or jailing anyone. Often, people are too afraid to report incidents of police brutality. Just because you are a suspect or under arrest doesn't give police officers the right to violate your civil rights.

County pays $200,000 in video-taped excessive force case, OC Register, May 6, 2010

Related Web Resources:
Orange County Sheriff's Office, Orange County, California

What is excessive force?, ABC

Continue reading "Orange County, California settles excessive force lawsuit involving cop who tackled man who was hugging his mom " »

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April 29, 2010

Orange County Settles California Police Brutality Claim by Inmate for $750,000

Orange County, California has paid $750,000 to Orange County inmate Matthew Ryan Fleuret who was wearing handcuffs when deputies shocked him more than once with a stun gun and kneed him in the head in 2006. In his Orange County personal injury claim, Fleuret alleged excessive use of force by the deputies.

Deputies had accused Fleuret, who was being held in jail after his arrest during a bar fight, of being drunk and "uncooperative." However, while video footage shows the then 24-year-old detainee trying to get out of a cell, several deputies are also seen tackling him to the floor and violently restraining him. Fleuret was even strapped to a restraining chair while a mask was placed over his face. According to Fleuret's Orange County, California injury lawyer, deputies stunned him, 11 times.

This is not the only time that Orange County, California deputies have been accused of police brutality. Footage of Another jailhouse Taser incident shows a woman in "wristlocks" being stunned on the back with a Taser. While a jury did not find that deputies employed police brutality against Lisa Munoz, they nevertheless awarded her $25,000 for battery.

In August 2008, the police department changed its policy, preventing cops from stunning prisoners while they were secured/handcuffed.

The US Justice Department is now investigating whether Orange County jails have engaged in a pattern of civil rights violations, including the use of excessive police force and failure to protect inmates. For example, inmate John Derek Chamberlain was murdered by other inmates in 2006. The fatal assault occurred less than 70 feet from the guard station. A special grand jury heard testimony from people claiming that deputies at Theo Lacy Jail engaged in rampant police misconduct, such as watching TV rather than observing the inmates, sleeping while on the job, and failing to make their rounds.

Orange County, California Police Brutality
Police officers are not allowed to use excessive force unless absolutely warranted. It doesn't matter whether you were arrested or convicted for a crime. Officers must still uphold your civil rights and refrain from inflicting any harm on you or allowing others to hurt you.

Former inmate gets $750,000 in use-of-force settlement, OC Register, April 29, 2010

$750,000 is Magic Number for County of Orange Check Writers, OC Weekly, April 29, 2010


Related Web Resources:
County Correction Facilities & Jails, Orange County

Police Use of Force, Department of Justice

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April 7, 2010

Another Orange County, California Injury Claim Filed Against Huntington Beach Over Alleged Sex Assault and Abuse by Huntington Beach Police Officer James Roberts III

Another woman who says Officer James Roberts III sexually assaulted her has filed a Huntington Beach injury claim against the city. Aileen Mignosa says she is an ex-girlfriend of the cop.

In her Orange County, California injury claim, the 27-year-old woman says that she suffered physical injury and emotional distress because Roberts, 33, had verbally, physically, and sexually assaulting her. She is accusing the city of Huntington Beach, its police chief, and a number of cops of trying to cover up the alleged sex abuse. She also claims that the Huntington Beach Police Department and 911 did not respond appropriately to her calls and did not discipline Roberts.

Last November, Roberts's ex-wife, Shannon Roberts, filed a Huntington Beach personal injury lawsuit against the city's police department, Police Chief Ken Small, James Roberts III, his supervisor (who also happens to be his relative), and another cop. Shannon claims that the police department and the cops named as defendants conspired to cover up the sex abuse.

Shannon says that her husband, who she was separated from at the time, began abusing her in June 2007. She says she filed for divorce and moved out of the state to avoid him. While she was away, she says that her husband used a propane tank to destroy personal belonging and furniture.

She also claims that he physically attacked her in front of her son and later raped her during a jealous fit. Shannon says that calls to 911 and police were dealt with in a manner that protected her husband instead of her.

Roberts, who is on paid administrative leave, has now been charged in connection with the alleged attacks against his ex-wife and ex-girlfriend. The initial 17 criminal charges against him included threats, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, domestic battery, vandalism, and dissuading a witness by force. Prosecutors also recently charged him with sodomy by force, spousal rape by force, ad forcible rape.

Not only can you sue for Orange County, California police brutality, but you also can file a personal injury complaint against a police officer and/or his/her police department if police negligence contributed to your injuries or a loved one's death.

Second woman claims abuse by officer, Huntington Beach Independent, March 18, 2010

Police officer accused of sex assaults, OC Register, March 18, 2010


Related Web Resources:
Huntington Beach Police Department

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March 13, 2010

Anaheim Police Brutality Alleged in Fullerton Man's Shooting Death

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

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February 20, 2010

After Mistrial, Plaintiffs of Orange County, California Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against La Habra Police Vow to Keep Fighting

After the jury deadlocked, a judge declared a mistrial in the La Habra wrongful death lawsuit against officers John Jaime and Pete DiPasqua. The La Habra cops were sued by the family of Michael Cho. The two cops fatally shot the 25-year-old 11 times outside a liquor store on December 31, 2007. The plaintiffs had alleged excessive use of police force by the two men. The Cho family says they will retry the Orange County, California police brutality case.

On the day that Cho, 25, was shot, the officers arrived at the scene to investigate reports that someone was vandalizing motor vehicles. The caller identified Cho as the suspect.

According to witnesses, Cho had a tire iron in his hand as he went toward the cops and he disregarded their commands that he drop the object. However, the Chos say that their son was at enough of a distance from the cops that they could have Tasered him, used pepper spray, or set the police dog on him. Meantime, the defendants' lawyer argued that his clients were legally allowed to use lethal means if they believed their lives were at risk.

Per toxicology reports, there was marijuana in Cho's system.

Orange County, California Police Brutality
Police in Orange County, California must be careful when using force on a suspect. That use of force must be absolutely necessary. Otherwise, the officers should be using less violent means to apprehend, arrest, or detain a suspect.

Unfortunately, many people don't even realize when they've become the victim of police abuse and that their civil rights have been violated. Verbal abuse, emotional abuse, threats, blackmail, harassment, and sexual abuse are also considered excessive use of force when instigated by police officers that are "doing their job."

Even if criminal charges aren't filed against the officers, there are steps you can take to hold the police officers accountable for your Orange County, California personal injuries.

Mistrial declared in fatal police shooting case, OC Register, February 12, 2010


Related Web Resources:
Police Use of Excessive Force, US Department of Justice (PDF)

La Habra Police Department

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January 19, 2010

79-Year-Old Files Orange County, California Police Brutality Claim Against City of Garden Grove

A 79-year-old man who says police assaulted him during a traffic stop has filed an Orange County, California injury claim against the city of Garden Grove. Mong Kim Tran claims he experienced physical pain and sustained bruises to his feet and face. He says that he continues to experience emotional distress, shame, and nervousness over the Garden Grove police brutality incident.

According to Tran's Orange County, California police brutality claim, on October 28, 2009, the Garden Grove cops that stopped him for speeding gave him an "outrageous" beating. Tran is seeking injury compensation. He also wants the city of Garden Grove to investigate the alleged incident and discipline the police officer that hurt him.

Garden Grove police are disputing Tran's account. They claim that Tran would not follow the cops' instructions (they wanted him to sign the citation for speeding). They also say that he assaulted one of the officers by punching him and kicking him in the groin. He was charged with one count each of misdemeanor assault and battery.

Tran and his family, however, say that the officers misunderstood the elderly man because he doesn't speak proper English. During a news conference last month, the 79-year-old said that the officers treated him "like an animal." He denies trying to assault the officer. Pham's injury attorney says that his client refused to sign the speeding citation because he thought it meant that by doing so he was pleading guilty.

Police Brutality
Police are not allowed to use unnecessary force when apprehending anyone. This is police brutality and a violation of the victim's rights. Unfortunately, excessive use of force by a police officer does happen. A cop might get caught up in the heat of the moment or wrongly perceive someone to be a danger. There are also police officers that abuse their authority by taking the opportunity to physically assault, sexually assault, verbally abuse, or intimidate a suspect under the guise of doing one's duty.

Claim: Police beat up 79-year-old man during traffic, OC Register, January 19, 2010

78-Year-Old Man Arrested for Kicking Cop, OC Weekly, November 3, 2009


Related Web Resources:
Garden Grove Police

City of Garden Grove

Shielded from Justice, HR Watch

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October 7, 2009

Plaintiffs of Two Separate Orange County, California Police Brutality Cases Sue Newport Beach

A woman who says that Newport Beach police beat her is asking Orange County Superior Court to let her file a lawsuit for damages because she missed the deadline while undergoing the psychiatric care she required because of the alleged beating. She previously filed a $15 million police brutality lawsuit against the city in federal court over the same incident.

Suzanne Abrams says that on April 4, 2007, she called Newport Beach police to ask for help after she was raped. When they arrived at her Little Balboa Island home, they knocked her off her porch and beat her. Abrams says the Newport Beach police brutality incident left her incapacitated and she is still receiving treatment for post-traumatic stress.

Carol Lindquist, Abrams' psychologist, says that while her patient cannot remember the actual attack, watching video footage of the incident distresses her. Lindquist says she has treated Abrams for insomnia, depression, stress, anxiety, headaches, fear, and family issues.

In another Orange County, California police brutality case accusing Newport Beach cops of excessive use of violence, Angela and Eric Padgett are suing the city for $1 million each. They say that three police officers falsely imprisoned them without cause when they arrived at their residence to respond to a call about a family dispute.

The Padgetts claim police physically assaulted them for no reason, inflicting emotional and physical pain. The couple was eventually set free and no criminal charges were filed against them. They are seeking Orange County, California police brutality compensation for income loss, medical bills, legal fees, and property damage.

Police dispute their account. They claim they detained Eric because he was initially uncooperative.

Orange County, California Police Brutality

Police violence is a crime and a violation of a person's civil rights. Unfortunately, many people don't realize that they were the victims of police brutality. There are ways to hold the officers involved accountable for their behavior.

Couple suing Newport, Daily Pilot, September 22, 2009

Woman who fought cops seeks damages, Daily Pilot, October 7, 2009

Related Web Resources:
Newport Beach Police Department

Epidemic Of Police Brutality Sweeps America, Jones Report, September 21, 2007

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September 22, 2009

Legless, Unarmed Man in Wheelchair Makes California Police Brutality Allegations Accusing Officers of Using Taser without Provocation

An investigation is underway in California over allegations that Merced police officers used a Taser to apprehend a man with no legs who is confined in a wheelchair. Gregory Williams, a 40-year-old double amputee, spent six days in jail on suspicion of resisting arrest and committing domestic violence. Criminal charges have yet to be filed against him.

Williams says that police Tasered him and violently manhandled him even though he was never physically aggressive toward them. He is also accusing the cops of handcuffing him to the pavement and when his pants fell off, allowing him to remain naked below the waist.

The alleged California police brutality incident reportedly took place on September 11 and Williams says that during the arrest his shoulder was injured. This has affected his ability to get around in his wheelchair. A number of residents at the apartment complex where Williams lives say they saw the incident and support his California police brutality claims. One neighbor even shot footage of Williams on the ground, handcuffed, and with his pants down.

Police dispute Williams' claim. Their report claims that he refused to allow Merced County Child Protective Services to take his 2-year-old daughter.

Police Brutality
There are specific protocols that police officers must follow when apprehending anyone. Excessive or unjustified use of force at any time is not allowed. Was it absolutely necessary to Taser a double amputee in a wheelchair? Could he have been apprehended in other, less painful and humiliating ways? An internal probe will hopefully shed light on what happened.

Taser use on any suspect has both its critics and its supporters. While there are those who believe that using Tasers allows police to apprehend someone without having to use a gun, physical force, or a baton, the stun guns send out about 50,000 volts of electricity into its target. This is not exactly painless. More than 150 people have died from being Tasered and questions have been raised as to whether Taser use during certain arrests were justified.

Did California police use a Taser on an unarmed, legless man in a wheelchair?, McClatchy DC, September 21, 2009

Merced police used Taser on unarmed, legless man in a wheelchair, Merced Sun-Star, September 20, 2009


Related Web Resources:
Un Tasers are a form of Torture, CBS, November 25, 2007

Police brutality cases on the rise since 9/11, USA Today, December 18, 2007

Continue reading "Legless, Unarmed Man in Wheelchair Makes California Police Brutality Allegations Accusing Officers of Using Taser without Provocation " »

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September 16, 2009

In Tustin, California Police Brutality Claim, Police Are Accused of Using Excessive Force During Questioning

A man is accusing some of the city of Tustin, California's police officers of police brutality. Victor M. Hernandez says that cops hurt him on the night of October 17 while questioning him .

In his Orange County, California police brutality claim, Hernandez said a Tustin police officer approached him as he was walking home from Burger King. Hernandez says the cop asked him if he was the one who pushed a girl at a liquor store. A witness had identified Hernandez as her assailant. Tustin police would later determine that Hernandez was not the person they were trying to find.

City documents say that as police searched Hernandez for weapons, he struggled and was handcuffed. His finger broke and he sustained a bruise to his eye.

Hernandez claims says that while at the hospital, one of the cops apologized to him for what happened. The city of Tustin, however, is denying the allegations and says that Hernandez was hurt because he struggled while resisting the cops but not because the police injured him.

Police Brutality
Any excessive use of force by police officers at any time is wrong, and our Orange County, California police brutality lawyers believe that it is important that victims receive compensation for their injuries and trauma resulting from police violence.

Even if you are a suspect in an investigation, you are entitled to certain civil and legal protections. Police are never at any time allowed to use verbal abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, intimidation, racial profiling, or a gun, Taser, or any other weapon against you without provocation or threat or deprive you of your constitutional rights. In the event that they use excessive force of any kind or make a false arrest or harass you, you may have grounds for filing an Orange County, California police brutality lawsuit for your injuries.

It is the job of police officers to protect people not hurt them. Even if police deny any wrongdoing, you may still be entitled to California injury compensation for the harm that you suffered. Police violence is a crime that is can be hidden under the guise of executing "justice." This is unacceptable and can cause serious injury or death to victims.

Man files claim saying Tustin officers injured him, OC Register, September 16, 2009

Related Web Resources:
Tustin Police

City of Tustin

Know your rights!, PoliceCrimes.com

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August 26, 2009

Long Beach Woman Files Claim Against Newport Beach for Alleged Police Sexual Assault

A 23-year-old Long Beach, California woman has filed a claim against the city of Newport Beach because she says that police fondled her during a search. Her Orange County, California police brutality claim is seeking at least $1 million for the severe emotional trauma that she experienced as a result of the February 21, 2009 incident.

The plaintiff says that at around 10:30 at night, a Newport Beach cop signaled her to stop her car even though she had not broken any traffic laws. When she rolled down her window, she says the police officer used a threatening tone of voice to ask her where she was from. She says he yelled at her, demanding she identify her nationality.

The plaintiff says she "politely" told him she was American and he shined a flashlight beam into her face. After appearing to examine her face, she says he sardonically said, "Sure.. you're white!" He asked her to exit her vehicle and arrested her without probable cause. He then made her sit in the back of his car.

She says that the cop and the other officers who were there laughed when she said the handcuffs hurt. She claims she was interrogated for hours and underwent a very humiliating and invasive physical search. She that says one cop "felt" her up in a way that made her feel as if she were the victim of sexual assault. She says the police officer pressed his body close to her body while breathing heavily on her neck.

The plaintiff says that she was placed in a Newport Beach jail cell until a friend was able to secure a bail bond for her. She claims the cops never told her about her rights while they detained her.

Police Brutality
Arresting someone without probable cause is considered a false arrest and can be grounds for a police brutality lawsuit if there is evidence that the police officer exceeded his or her authority and abused power to make the arrest. False arrests are also a violation of an American's Fourth Amendment rights.

Police officers must abide by strict rules when doing their job. They are not allowed to use excessive force, verbal abuse, or sexually assault or fondle a suspect or anyone else for that matter.

Police brutality can be grounds for an Orange County, California personal injury claim or lawsuit.

Woman claims cops sexually assaulted her, Daily Pilot, August 26, 2009

Related Web Resources:
Newport Beach Police

City of Newport Beach

Police Brutality Info

4th Amendment, LectLaw.com

Continue reading "Long Beach Woman Files Claim Against Newport Beach for Alleged Police Sexual Assault" »

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July 21, 2009

Parents File $20 Million Orange County, California Wrongful Death Claim for Daughter's Fatal Shooting by Santa Ana Police

The parents of Susie Young Kim, a 37-year-old Korean American from Irvine who was fatally shot by Santa Ana police on April 10, have filed an Orange County, California wrongful death claim seeking $20 million in damages, legal costs, funeral costs, emotional trauma, and punitive and survival damages.

Santa Ana police shot Kim following a 30-minute chase through Santa Ana, Fullerton, Anaheim, and Buena Park. Her 13-month old daughter, who was riding in the back of the Toyota she was driving when the fatal incident happened, was unharmed.

The Santa Ana wrongful death claim, filed on behalf of Nancy Kim and Yung Kim, Susie's estate, and her daughter, Angelica, accuses police officers of using "excessive, deadly force" that led to Susie's death. The Kims claim that the officers "knowingly endangered" Angelica with their use of police brutality, including inappropriate force and improper tactics. The family's Southern California wrongful death attorney says Susie's shooting was totally "unjustified."

The police chase reportedly started late at night when Buena Park police tried to pull Kim over for committing a traffic violation. Kim, however, refused to stop and other police joined in the chase that eventually ended in Santa Ana when a police officer shot at the vehicle.

Questionable Police Shootings
A police officer should only fire his or her weapon on a suspect as a final measure. There are strict protocols that Santa Ana police must follow for when a weapon should be drawn and used on someone. Unfortunately, not every police officer exercises the restraint necessary to make sure that unjustified police shootings don't happen.

Unjustified police shootings usually involve excessive use of force, which is a common form of police brutality. Unfortunately, unjustified police shootings have resulted in the deaths of suspects who would still be alive today if only other methods were used to apprehend them.

Family of woman killed by police wants $20 million, OC Register, July 21, 2009

Woman With Baby in Car Killed at End of Police Chase, NBC, April 10, 2009

Related Web Resources:
Police Brutality

NAACP urges cell phone use to fight police brutality, CNN.com, July 15, 2009

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July 9, 2009

Family Files $30 Million California Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Orange County and City of La Habra for Fatal Shooting

The family of Jerry Lunceford, a 70-year-old woman who was shot to death by police, is suing Orange County and the City of La Habra for $30 million. They are seeking $15 million from each defendant for her Orange County, California wrongful death.

The plaintiffs in the case are Lunceford's estate, her son, David Lunceford, and her husband, Lowell Lunceford. They claim the peace officers neglected to make sure that they did not use excessive use of force when apprehending the decedent, and instead, they exercised police brutality by shooting her to death.

On the night of December 22, 2008, Orange County sheriff's deputies and La Habra police responded to a call about a distraught woman who may have been suicidal. They evacuated the neighborhood.

They contend that Lunceford came out of the front door and pointed a gun at the cops. Assistant Sheriff Michael Hillman says she disregarded repeated orders to put down her weapon. According to investigators, a number of officers and deputies shot at her when she pointed her gun at them.

However, according to the plaintiffs' Orange County, California wrongful death complaint, police shot Lunceford without provocation while she was talking on the phone to her son. They flashed bright lights at her so she was unable to see the police officers.

Neighbors say that Lunceford, who h had been married to her husband for 51 years, had not shown previous signs of distress. No criminal officers have been charged with her shooting death.

This is not the first police brutality lawsuit against the City of La Habra over a fatal police shooting. La Habra police shot and killed Michael Cho on January 31, 2007 in a strip parking mall after he allegedly waved a tire iron at them in a threatening manner. The 25-year-old's parents filed a La Habra wrongful death lawsuit against the city.

Orange County, California Police Brutality Lawsuits
Police are not supposed to shoot at suspects without provocation--let alone shoot them to death. Police brutality is a crime and violates the victims'civil rights. If you are injured or someone you love dies because police officers used unnecessary violence or were abusive, you may have grounds for filing an Orange County, California police brutality lawsuit or wrongful death claim.

Family seeks $30 million in police shooting death of woman, 70, OC Register, July 9, 2009

70-Year-Old Woman Shot by Police, Pasadena Star-News, December 23, 2008

Michael Sungman Cho shot by La Habra police Dec. 31, January 10, 2008


Related Web Resources:
City of La Habra, California

Orange County, California

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May 11, 2009

Plaintiff Files Orange County, California Police Brutality Lawsuit Suing Newport Beach Police for $15 Million

A woman who says that Newport Beach police assaulted her rather than helped her when they were called in to investigate allegations that she had been raped is suing the city and its police department for $15 million. Her Orange County, California police brutality lawsuit says that local officers grabbed her, struck her legs, and knocked her off her porch, causing her serious facial, arm, and leg injuries. 

Among the damages that Suzanne Abrams, now 34, is seeking are $3 million in future income, $1 million in medical costs and lost wages, and $2 million in future medical bills resulting from her injuries from the alleged Newport Beach police brutality incident. She says that the police attack caused her to experience serious mental trauma and pain and develop post-traumatic stress disorder. As a result of her personal injuries, Abrams says she had to check into a psychiatric hospital.

Her Newport Beach police brutality lawsuit states that early on the morning of April 4, 2007, she returned to her home after a date. Police then arrived after receiving a call that Abrams was screaming that she had been raped. Her complaint contends that she became frightened when she saw police and asked them to go. She claims that police assaulted her, neglected to properly evaluate her, and did not do anything to find out whether she'd been raped. They then arrested her and took her to jail, charging her with battery on a police officer and resisting arrest. The charges against her were later dropped. 

Abrams's civil complaint reports that she went with her dad to Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian after he bailed her out of jail and tests she took there indicate that she had ingested a date rape drug. However, lawyers for the City of Newport Beach say that Abrams refused to submit to a rape test. They also dispute Abrams's claim and say that audiotapes of the incident reveal that the Newport Beach police officers were very professional and calm in the way they handled the plaintiff. They contend that it was Abrams who was hostile toward police. The Orange County District Attorney's spokesperson, Farrah Emami, says that the charges against Abrams were warranted but were dropped out of sympathy to her. 

California Police Brutality
Any kind of excessive use of force by police is wrong and can be grounds for a California police brutality claim or lawsuit. Some examples of police brutality:

Assaulting a suspect, a defendant, or a regular civilian
Verbal intimidation
Certain situations where Taser use is unnecessary or excessive
False arrest
Sexual abuse
Surveillance abuse
Verbal abuse
Racial profiling

Police brutality violates the victim's civil rights and is an abuse of power.

Woman: Police Beat Me, Daily Pilot, May 10, 2009



Related Web Resources:
Shielded from Justice, Human Rights Watch


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