Woodland Hills – 42-year-old Claudia Corugedo was shot by police in Woodland Hills in an incident that began the morning of May 26, 2025, and is currently under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Force Investigation Division.
Timeline of Events
The incident began in Van Nuys when LAPD officers received a call about a possible shooting around 8 a.m. Upon arrival, the officers spotted Corugedo outside a white van that had bullet holes in the windshield. Corugedo allegedly had a handgun, pointed it at herself, and got back in the van, leading to a brief pursuit ending in a cul-de-sac. Corugedo eventually got out of the van and onto its roof, allegedly pointing a gun to her head. Eventually Corugedo jumped off the van and ran towards a nearby porch, prompting an officer to open fire, injuring her.
Corugedo was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
Use of Deadly Force and California Law
Under California Penal Code § 835a, officers are authorized to use deadly force only when “necessary in defense of human life.” This standard requires law enforcement to evaluate whether a person poses an imminent threat and whether less-lethal alternatives were feasible.
In cases involving officer-involved shootings, families of the injured or deceased may have legal recourse through a civil rights lawsuit under 42 U.S. Code § 1983. These legal actions hold law enforcement accountable when constitutional rights are violated, including through excessive or unjustified use of force.
According to Mapping Police Violence, more than 100 people were fatally shot by police in 2023. Critics argue that officers often escalate situations that might otherwise be resolved through de-escalation tactics or mental health intervention.
Seeking Accountability for Officer-Involved Shootings
We at the Sehat Law Firm were disturbed to learn of this incident involving Claudia Corugedo.
If you or a loved one has been impacted by police misconduct or an in-custody incident, contact The Sehat Law Firm at (949) 825-5200 for a free consultation, or complete the form at the bottom of this page to discuss your case with our legal team.
Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and should not be considered legal or medical advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary and any referenced here may not apply to your situation. This article was created from secondary sources and so may not be completely accurate. If you have any concerns, please contact us, and we’ll update or remove the post as needed.
