Investigation By California Department of Justice Reveals Ruben Ramos Was Likely Unarmed During Home Depot Police Shooting In Burbank

BURBANK, CALIFORNIA (July 11, 2023) – A 47-year-old man identified as Ruben Ramos has tragically died in a Burbank police shooting in a Home Depot parking lot on Flower Street.

Los Angeles County officials are saying that the shooting took place around 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Ruben Ramos called police and allegedly said he was going to shoot people with a gun.

Police were called to the scene and located a man sitting in a vehicle. Officers had some sort of verbal interaction with the man before they opened fire.

Paramedics were called to the scene in order to assist Ruben Ramos. He was transported to Providence Holy Cross Trauma Center where he later died due to his injuries.

It does not appear that he had a gun or any other type of weapon with him following the police shooting. The case is currently under review by the California Department of Justice as required by California AB 1506.

Review by the DOJ is required any time an unarmed civilian is killed by law enforcement. A full investigation into the Home Depot shooting in Burbank remains ongoing.

 

Liability For Burbank Police Shootings

Police shootings across Los Angeles County and the country are unfortunately very common. According to the Washington Post, on average there are about 1,000 fatal police shootings every year across the United States. Minorities tend to make up a disproportionate number of the suspects who are killed in these shootings. Most victims are also quite young with people between the ages of 30 – 34 making up the largest demographic of those killed. There are a number of situations that may proceed a police shooting.

• A suspect may be in the midst of a mental health crisis.
• A suspect may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• A suspect may be trying to evade police on foot when they were shot.

Every person in California has the right to be free from the use of excessive force that is exercised under the color of law. As required under the constitution, no person shall be deprived of the right to life, liberty or property without due process. When a police officer uses excessive force and kills a suspect, this could form the basis of a constitutional claim. The actions of an officer prior to a fatal encounter could render their use of force unreasonable, even if their actions appeared reasonable when viewed without context.

Consider, for example, the lawsuit following the death of Miles Hall in Walnut Creek. Miles Hall was in the midst of a mental health crisis near his home. He had a gardening tool before two officers arrived at the scene. Those two officers failed to wait for an officer with mental health training to arrive. The responding officers ultimately shot and killed the young man. Contra Costa County eventually reached a settlement with his family. There are many measures that should be taken after any police shooting.

• Body camera footage from all officers involved should be examined.
• The police calls leading up to the shooting should be listened to.
• Eye witnesses that may have seen what happened should be interviewed.
• An experienced civil rights attorney should be consulted.

Many police shootings are totally preventable. There are policies and procedures that police departments in California have for engaging mentally ill suspects. Far too often, these policies are not followed, often with tragic and predictable consequences. It is important for victims of police shootings and their families to know that they do have recourse. The family of any person that died in a police shooting may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a constitutional claim.

 

Investigating Burbank Police Shootings

We at the Sehat Law Firm extend our deepest condolences to the family of Ruben Ramos. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. This young man needed help. Instead, he was met with lethal force and didn’t appear to be armed with any weapon. There needs to be a thorough review of what took place for the sake of the victim’s family.

Do you need more information about a Burbank police shooting? Our team of civil rights advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that police departments are held to account for the excessive force of their officers. Police officers are supposed to serve in protect. But the LAPD has demonstrated time and time again that they will take actions that needlessly endanger the public. 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.