David Couch III (Full Name: David Lawrence Couch III) Died In Redding Police Shooting
REDDING, CALIFORNIA (February 22, 2023) – An unarmed man identified as David Couch III died nine days after being shot by a Redding police officer.
Shasta County officials are saying that the incident took place around 5:25 p.m. on February 9. Authorities claim that David Couch III was “brandishing a firearm” while driving along South Bonnyview Road.
An on-duty CHP officer later located the suspect at a home on the 3000 block of Island Drive. The officer gave him orders before a fight broke out.
At some point during the altercation, David Couch III was shot by the officer. It was later determined that the suspect was unarmed when he was shot.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the incident in order to help the suspect. Sadly, around nine days after the shooting, David Couch III died due to his injuries.
The shooting is currently under review as required by AB 1506. California law AB 1506 requires that there is an investigation when law enforcement officers shoot and kill unarmed civilians.
Liability For Redding Police Shootings
Police shootings have been a highly contentious issue for many years in California. A number of high profile cases have led to calls for reform by both legislative officials and the public. In particular, a disproportionate number of the people killed by officers were suffering from a mental illness. In fact, it has been estimated that people with an untreated mental illness were nearly 16 times more likely to be killed by police officers during an encounter. Police shootings should always be a measure of last resort. There are a number of steps that police departments can take in order to reduce the number of fatal police encounters.
- Police officers should be well-trained to de-escalate encounters with all manner of suspects. They should be especially well trained to deal with suspects in the midst of a mental health crisis.
- Police departments should hold officers accountable for their actions and thoroughly investigate all use-of-force incidents.
- Police officers should have access to non-lethal alternatives such as pepper spray. These tools can reduce the likelihood of an officer needing to use lethal force.
In California, liability for a police shooting will typically depend on the specific circumstances for any incident. Police departments will typically not face any liability for use-of-force incidents that are deemed reasonable. However, a police department could face civil liability if it is determined that their officers used excessive force. Under California Penal Code 835a. (1), courts will look at the totality of an officer’s actions prior to a shooting when determining the reasonableness of their actions. For example, an officer’s failure to follow protocols for dealing with mentally ill suspects could form the basis of a negligence claim. When officers are dealing with mentally ill suspects, they should:
- Request backup
- Calm the situation
- Avoid physical contact with the suspect
- Determine if the suspect takes medications
- Acknowledge how the suspect is feeling
- Not make any threats against the suspect
Many police shootings are avoidable and due to officer’s that fail to follow protocol when under heavy pressure. The family of any person that is killed in a California police shooting may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Unfortunately, police departments will often do everything in their power to deny responsibility when their officer kills a suspect. A civil rights advocate can examine all of the unique facts of your case free of cost and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Redding Police Shooting
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of David Couch III. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. The Redding police department should do the right thing and be transparent about what happened and why their officer apparently killed an unarmed civilian.
Do you need more information about a Redding police shooting? Our team of civil rights advocates are here for you. We care deeply that victims of excessive force are aware of their rights and that police departments are held accountable for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free investigation into any particular incident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
