Luis Muñoz, 29, Killed In Police Shooting At Anaheim Gas Station Right Next To Disneyland

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA (October 5, 2023) – A 29-year-old man identified as Luis Muñoz has tragically died in an Anaheim police shooting by Orangewood Avenue and Harbor Boulevard.

Orange County officials are saying that the incident began around 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Anaheim police confronted Luis Muñoz and he ran three blocks until he got to an ARCO gas station about a block away from Disneyland.

At some point during the encounter, officers opened fire and shot the suspect. Paramedics were called to the scene of the shooting in order to help Luis Muñoz.

Sadly, he later died due to his injuries. Anaheim police officials claim that they recovered a knife at the scene.

A full investigation into the encounter remains ongoing at this time.

 

Liability For Anaheim Police Shootings

Far too many people are killed in police shootings each year in California and across the country. According to The Guardian, “US law enforcement killed at least 1,176 people in 2022, making it the deadliest year on record for police violence since 2013 when experts first started tracking the killings nationwide, a new data analysis reveals.” There are many factors that could contribute to a police shooting.

• Law enforcement officials may fail to de-escalate an encounter with a suspect.
• A suspect may be in the midst of a mental health crisis.
• A police officer may not have less-lethal alternatives to their service pistol.

The ability to use lethal force is one of the most consequential powers that police officers have. This power must be used with great discretion and only as a measure of last resort. Pursuant to 42 U.S. Code § 1983, every person who, under the color of any statute, law or ordinance, causes a citizen of the United States to be deprived of their rights secured by the constitution, shall be liable to the injured party in an action at law. When a police officer uses excessive force and kills a suspect, they can be held accountable through a civil claim. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any police shooting.

• Body camera footage from all officers involved should be examined.
• Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
• The actions of officers leading up to the shooting should be understood.
• A civil rights attorney should be contacted.

Whether or not a police officer’s decision to use lethal force may be considered reasonable will depend in part on their actions leading up to a shooting. For instance, there are police protocols in place for how officers must deal with mentally ill suspects. Unfortunately, these protocols are not always followed. The family of any person that died in a police shooting may have legal recourse through a civil claim.

 

Investigating Anaheim Police Shootings

We at the Sehat Law Firm extend our deepest condolences to the family of Luis Muñoz who died in this Anaheim police shooting. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. It is our sincere hope there is some accountability for what took place.

Have you or someone that you love been harmed by the actions of Anaheim police officers? Our team of civil rights advocates are here to help in any way that we can. We know how hard it can be to get information about any shooting involving law enforcement. We are committed to helping people harmed by police abuses of power. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at  (949) 825-5200.