In a tragic incident that occurred on December 8, a pedestrian named Luis Espinoza lost his life after being struck by an LAPD cruiser in South Los Angeles. The family of Espinoza has now taken legal action, filing a claim against the LAPD. This claim revolves around the allegation that the officer operating the cruiser misused emergency lights during the collision.

Details of the Fatal Crash

The collision occurred at the intersection of Century Boulevard and McKinley Avenue in the Green Meadows neighborhood. The LAPD reports that an officer from the Community Safety Partnership Bureau was driving east on Century with emergency lights activated. Espinoza, who was crossing the street, was hit during this maneuver, leading to his hospitalization and subsequent death. Shockingly, Espinoza was just one day away from celebrating his 26th birthday.

Concerns Raised by LAPD Chief

LAPD Chief Michel Moore expressed serious concerns about the officer’s driving leading up to the collision. Chief Moore informed the LA Police Commission that the officer not only traveled at a high speed but also inappropriately activated emergency lights when not responding to a call. Dashcam and surveillance footage captured the incident, revealing the officer’s questionable use of emergency lights.

Allegations and Lack of Immediate Assistance

Family attorney Michael Carrillo alleges that the officer, despite having emergency lights activated without a call response, was speeding through a 35 mph zone “like a rocket ship.” Carrillo further claimed that the officer did not immediately assist Espinoza after the crash. Instead, the officer waited in the cruiser for over a minute before providing any help.

LAPD’s Failure in Training and Supervision

The filed claim against the LAPD accuses the department of failing to train its officers in proper driving tactics, inadequate supervision, and a lack of training regarding reverence for human life. These alleged failures are believed to have contributed to the tragic death of Luis Espinoza.

Seeking Justice and Legal Action

In addition to the claim, the family is urging Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón to file charges against the involved officer. The LAPD has referred the case to the DA’s office for charging consideration, and the matter is currently under review by the Justice System Integrity Division.

Conclusion

In the aftermath of this devastating incident, the Espinoza family seeks justice through legal avenues. The filed claim raises crucial questions about the LAPD’s training, supervision, and adherence to protocols, highlighting the need for a thorough investigation and accountability. The community awaits further developments as the case progresses through the legal system.