Fatal Police Shooting In Long Beach Followed Standoff With Suspect
LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA (November 21, 2024) – One man was killed in a Long Beach police shooting near the area of Atlantic Avenue and 52nd Street.
Long Beach officials are saying that the incident took place around 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday. Police officers were called after getting a report about a man allegedly armed with some type of weapon.
Officers continued to talk with the man and brought in a mental evaluation team. After efforts to negotiate fell apart, a SWAT team was called in, and the suspect was shot.
Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the man. However, he was ultimately pronounced dead at the scene.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Legal Considerations for Long Beach Police Shootings
Far too many people are killed or seriously injured every year during encounters with law enforcement. According to Statista, “Sadly, the trend of fatal police shootings in the United States seems to only be increasing, with a total 956 civilians having been shot, 207 of whom were Black, as of October 22, 2024. In 2023, there were 1,164 fatal police shootings.” Police departments should take a number of measures to prevent fatal shootings.
- Officers should be trained in de-escalation techniques.
- Officers should be trained to deal with suspects in the midst of a mental health crisis.
- Officers should be equipped with less lethal options.
The ability to use lethal force is one of the most consequential powers that officers have. Officers must only use lethal force 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. It is important that certain steps are taken after any police shooting.
- Body camera footage from all officers involved should be reviewed.
- Medical records related to injuries should be sought.
- The actions of police officers leading up to the shooting should be understood.
- An experienced civil rights attorney should be contacted.
Police shootings are often highly preventable. They tend to involve situations where officers are either unwilling or unable to de-escalate encounters. Sadly, though, police officers will often do everything in their power to deny responsibility if someone they deal with dies. This is why it is so crucial that any fatal police encounter is properly reviewed by an independent third party.
Investigating California Police Shootings
We at the Sehat Law Firm were very concerned to hear about this fatal Long Beach police shooting. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. The number of police shootings across LA County in recent years remains deeply concerning.
Do you need more information about a Long Beach police shooting? Our team of personal injury attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that victims of excessive force are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. 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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