LOS ANGELES – The California Attorney General’s Office has announced that no criminal charges will be pursued against the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer involved in the fatal shooting of a teenage girl inside a North Hollywood Burlington store in 2021.

Tragic Incident Claims Two Lives

The tragic event unfolded on December 23, 2021, when 14-year-old Valentina Orellana-Peralta was fatally struck by a stray bullet while inside a second-floor dressing room of the Burlington store at 12121 Victory Blvd. Valentina was trying on Christmas dresses with her mother when a bullet, fired by Officer William Jones during an attempt to apprehend a suspect, pierced through a wall and tragically ended her life.

Circumstances of the Shooting

Officer Jones had entered the store in pursuit of 24-year-old Daniel Elena Lopez, who was suspected of assaulting multiple individuals with a metal bicycle lock. During the confrontation, Officer Jones fired a bullet at the suspect, which ricocheted off the floor, penetrated a far wall, and struck Valentina in the dressing room.

Heartbreaking Testimony

Valentina’s mother, Soledad Peralta, recounted the devastating moment when her daughter was fatally wounded. She described how they were sitting together, embracing, when the chaos erupted in the store. Despite her pleas for help, she felt abandoned by the authorities in the aftermath of the shooting.

DOJ Findings and Recommendations

Attorney General Rob Bonta’s announcement of no charges against Officer Jones came alongside a detailed analysis of the incident and recommendations for the LAPD. The California Department of Justice emphasized the need for improved communication and response protocols in situations requiring immediate action and rapid deployment.

Video Evidence and Lack of Prosecution

Body-camera footage released by the LAPD depicted the altercation between officers and Lopez, who was seen viciously attacking a woman with a metal bike lock. Despite initial reports of shots fired, no firearm was found at the scene, leading investigators to conclude that Officer Jones acted in self-defense and to protect others from imminent harm.

Conclusion: Seeking Transparency and Accountability

The decision not to pursue charges against the LAPD officer involved in the shooting underscores the complexities of law enforcement and the tragic consequences that can arise in high-pressure situations. As authorities continue to review and refine protocols, the pursuit of transparency and accountability remains paramount in ensuring public trust and safety.

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