Guillermo Huerta (Full Name: Guillermo Padron Huerta)  Killed In South Bakersfield Police Shooting

BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA (August 18, 2023) – A 35-year-old man identified as Guillermo Huerta has tragically died in a Bakersfield police shooting by White Lane near Monitor Street.

Kern County officials are saying that the incident took place around 10:52 on Saturday. Bakersfield police officers were called to White Lane after a report of a man with a knife.

Officers arrived at the area and encountered Guillermo Huerta. Not long after they made contact, Guillermo Huerta was shot by officers and seriously injured.

Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the man. Despite life-saving measures, Guillermo Huerta later died due to his injuries.

A full investigation into the incident remains ongoing by the California Attorney General.

 

Liability For Bakersfield Police Shootings

California has one of the highest instances of police shootings in the United States. Many of these shootings involve law enforcement that are not well trained. According to the Prison Policy Initiative, “Of the over 78,000 law enforcement officers in California, about 80 are arrested each year; assault is the most common reason for arrest. Data on arrested officers do not capture the full range of police misconduct.” Fatal police shootings are often highly preventable.

• Police officers should have access to less lethal options like beanbag rounds.
• Police officers should be trained to de-escalate encounters with suspects.
• Police officers should determine if a suspect may be in the midst of a mental health crisis.

Suspects in the midst of a mental health crisis are nearly 16 times more likely to be killed during a police encounter. California law requires police officers to follow certain protocols when they are dealing with a suspect that may be mentally ill. Among other things, the officer should not make any threats and determine if the suspect is taking medication. If a police officer fails to follow protocol and shoots a mentally ill suspect, this could form the basis of a constitutional claim. There are many steps that should be taken after any police shooting.

• Body camera footage from the officer involved should be reviewed.
• Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
• The actions of the officer leading up to the shooting should be understood.
• An experienced civil rights attorney should be contacted.

It is common for police departments to do everything that they can to deny liability if one of their officers shoots a suspect. The family of any person that died in a police shooting may have legal recourse through a constitutional claim. It is extremely important that evidence is properly preserved after any incident. Evidence is what will ultimately show whether or not a police officer acted reasonably when they decided to use lethal force.

 

Investigating Bakersfield Police Shootings

We at the Sehat Law Firm extend our deepest condolences to the family of Guillermo Huerta. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out investigators. There needs to be some accountability and transparency for what has taken place.

Do you need more information about a Bakersfield police shooting? Our team of civil rights attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We focus on helping people who have been harmed by police abuses of power. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support we may be able to help. You can reach out to us anytime at (949) 825-5200.