pexels-rdne-stock-project-6519848Investigation Underway After Long Beach Police Shot Tyrell Harris During Foot Pursuit By Metro Rail Platform

LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA (August 14, 2024) – A man identified as Tyrell Harris was injured in a Long Beach police shooting on a Metro Rail platform.

Long Beach Police Department officials are saying that the incident took place on August 7. The police got a report about a man who allegedly had a handgun.

When police encountered Tyrell Harris, a foot chase ensued. At some point during the encounter, officers opened fire and struck the suspect.

Tyrell Harris was treated by paramedics before being taken to the hospital. He was later medically cleared and booked into the Long Beach City Jail.

A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Long Beach 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.” There are a number of signs that a suspect may be suffering from a mental illness.

  • Disorganized speech or thought
  • Delusions or paranoia
  • Hallucinations
  • Extreme mood swings

Police officers have a great deal of discretion in how they perform their job duties. But at no point are they permitted to use excessive force. 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. A police officer may have made a number of mistakes that contributed to a shooting.

  • A police officer may have failed to de-escalate an encounter.
  • A police officer may have failed to follow a safety rule promulgated by their employer.
  • A police officer may have shot a suspect merely because they were attempting to flee.

Police shootings can be very complex events. The factors that contribute to a police shooting can take place hours or days before the incident. Sadly, though, police officers will often do everything in their power to deny responsibility if they injure a suspect. This is why it is so important that evidence is properly preserved after any police shooting.

Investigating Los Angeles County Police Shootings

We at the Sehat Law Firm were deeply concerned to hear about this police shooting that injured Tyrell Harris. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent similar incidents.

Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Long Beach police shooting? You may have legal recourse. Our team of civil rights attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. 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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