Daniel Valdivia, of Covina, Died In Los Angeles County Police Shooting At Liquor Store On East Arrow Highway
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA (April 13, 2022) – A man identified as Daniel Valdivia has tragically died after being shot by Covina police officers outside liquor store on East Arrow Highway.
Los Angeles County police officials are saying that the shooting took place on Saturday night. Daniel Valdivia was unarmed when he was shot by Covina police officials.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain unknown at this time. Paramedics were called to the scene of the shooting in order to help the victim.
Daniel Valdivia was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the California Department of Justice are investigating the incident as required under California Assembly Bill 1506.
Liability In Covina Police Shootings
Far too many people are killed or seriously injured every year in police shootings. According to one report by the Washington Post, around 1,000 people are killed in police shootings every year in the United States. Most of the victims are young and male. People suffering from a serious mental illness or are intoxicated are far more likely to be shot and killed by police officers. There are many steps that can be taken to help reduce the number of police shootings.
- Police officers should be trained to recognize when a suspect is experiencing a mental or medical health emergency.
- Police officers should be trained to de-escalate hostile situations.
- Police officers should receive ample non-lethal crisis intervention training.
- People suffering from a mental illness should receive regular treatment so that they do not deteriorate to the point that police intervention is needed.
A police department could potentially be liable for killing an unarmed suspect. Excessive force is a violation of a suspect’s right to equal protection and due process afforded by the constitution. Pursuant to California Penal Code 835a. (1), the use of deadly force is a serious responsibility and must be used judiciously. Deadly force should only be used to safeguard the life or well-being of a person. Sadly, though, many police officer’s are poorly trained to deal with suspects that are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency.
Under California law and case precedent, a police officer’s action prior to a shooting can determine the reasonableness of their actions. This is true even if an officer’s use of deadly force would have been reasonable in a particular situation were it viewed in isolation. California police officer’s must follow protocol when dealing with a mentally ill or intoxicated suspect. They must work to de-escalate the situation. Failure to do this could form the basis of a negligence claim. There are many steps that should be taken after any police shooting.
- The officer’s conduct leading up to the shooting should be evaluated.
- All police body camera footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that died in a Covina police shooting may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills, funeral expenses and loss of love. Unfortunately, police departments will often fight hard to deny responsibility if their officer kills a suspect. A Los Angeles County wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Covina Police Shooting
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Daniel Valdivia. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There needs to be some accountability for this tragedy for the sake of the victim’s family. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to better train officers so that other encounters can be resolved peacefully.
Do you need more information about a Covina police shooting? Our team of consumer safety advocates are here to answer any legal questions that you may have. We care deeply that victims of police shootings and their families are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an incident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
