Surveillance Footage Shows Homeless Man and Robbery Suspect Being Shot By San Francisco Police Officer While He Was Fleeing

pexels-kindel-media-7715238SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA (July 23, 2024) – A homeless man has tragically died in a San Francisco police shooting in the Tenderloin District.

San Francisco police officials are saying that the incident took place on Sunday night. The officers were responding to reports of a nearby robbery.

They encountered a suspect who ran down Willow Street toward Van Ness Avenue. At some point during the encounter, officers shot the suspect multiple times.

Paramedics were called to the scene of the shooting in order to help the man. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died.

Surveillance footage captured the man being shot as he fled officers. An investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For San Francisco Police Shootings

A large portion of police shootings involve suspects who are suffering from an untreated mental illness. According to the International Bipolar Foundation, “Nationwide, at least 25% of people who are shot and killed by police officers suffer from acute mental illness at the time of their death. People with untreated mental illness are 16 times more likely to be fatally shot during an encounter with police than people with their mental illnesses under control.” Police officers should take a number of measures in order to prevent police shootings.

  • Police officers should be trained to recognize the signs that a suspect is suffering from a mental illness.
  • Police officers should follow a use-of-force continuum.
  • Police officers should work to de-escalate encounters.

Police departments should always use the least amount of force necessary for any given encounter. 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. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any police shooting.

  • Body camera footage for all officers involved should be sought.
  • Medical records should be preserved.
  • A police report of the incident should be created.

It is crucial for victims of police brutality to seek legal counsel as early as possible. Police departments will often do everything in their power to deny responsibility if their officers kill a suspect. When they investigate themselves, they will inevitably determine that they did nothing wrong. The family of any person who is killed in a police shooting may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.

Investigating San Francisco Police Shootings 

We at the Sehat Law Firm were deeply concerned to hear about this San Francisco police shooting. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There needs to be some accountability for what took place.

Do you need more information about a San Francisco police shooting? Our team of civil rights attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that victims of police brutality get the support that they are entitled to. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (949) 825-5200.

 

 

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