gunWatts – 56-year-old Hugo Polanco was shot and killed by Los Angeles Police officers on November 11, 2025.  

Incident Details

Officers of the LAPD’s Southeast Division responded around 12:00 p.m. after multiple 911 calls reported a man in the Watts neighborhood swinging a metal chain at passing vehicles and pedestrians. Upon arrival at Kalmia St. and 103rd St., officers encountered Polanco holding a cluster of metal wires or chains approximately seven and a half feet long. Officers directed Polanco to drop the wires. He initially complied but then raised them again and reportedly advanced toward officers while wielding the chains. Deputies first attempted non-lethal options, including rounds from a 40 mm less-lethal launcher, which reportedly did not stop the threat. Eventually officers initiated lethal force and Polanco was shot. He was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead. 

The LAPD’s Force Investigation Division and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office are overseeing an independent review of the incident. The California Department of Justice is also investigating this incident independently.

 

Legal Framework

 

  • Under California Penal Code § 835a, an officer is justified in using deadly force only when reasonably necessary to protect against imminent death or serious bodily injury. 
  • Should the investigation reveal the use of force exceeded constitutionally permitted limits, potential civil claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 could be investigated by the affected family. 

Seeking Accountability for Officer Involved Shootings

If you were a witness to this incident, knew the deceased, or are seeking to understand your rights:

  • Request public records: incident and arrest reports, body-worn camera footage, dispatch audio, forensic reports. 
  • Preserve your own evidence: Note time, location, your vantage point, any photos or videos you captured. 
  • Consult legal counsel: If you believe the force may have been excessive or protocols violated, you may have potential claims. Attorneys experienced in law-enforcement use-of-force cases can evaluate whether rights may have been infringed.

If you or a loved one has been impacted by police misconduct or an in-custody incident such as this one involving Hugo Polanco, 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 may not be completely accurate. If you have any concerns, please contact us, and we’ll update or remove the post as needed.