Brandon Lopez (2021)
Overview
This incident mentions suicide. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 for immediate help 24/7. Outside the U.S., please consult this list of suicide crisis lines.
On September 28, 2021, an Anaheim California Police Department officer completed a stolen vehicle report, where the victim knew the subject to be Lopez. The officer ran a check and found that Lopez had outstanding warrants for several armed robberies, domestic violence, and driving on a suspended license. The stolen vehicle was equipped with a GPS tracker and officers located it in Santa Ana. When officers approached Lopez, he led them on a high-speed pursuit through multiple cities. Anaheim police decided to end the ground pursuit and track the vehicle from their helicopter. Santa Ana California Police Department officers reengaged the pursuit, which ended when Lopez's car stalled in a construction zone. Lopez refused police orders to exit the vehicle. A Santa Ana tactical vehicle was used to block Lopez's car and position officers to observe Lopez. During a three-hour standoff, a Santa Ana officer reported seeing a gun in Lopez's hand. The Anaheim SWAT team responded and took control of the scene. Officers were notified by Lopez's family that he intended to commit suicide by cop. The SWAT team deployed a flash-bang and tear gas to force Lopez from the vehicle. When he emerged, police saw an object in his hand that they believed to be a gun. Anaheim officers Catalin Panov, Kenneth Weber, Paul Delgado, and Brett Heitmann fired, killing Lopez.[1][2][3][4]
The California Department of Justice will conduct an independent investigation of the shooting, which is required under state law for officer-involved shootings of unarmed individuals.[5]
On November 23, 2021, Lopez's family filed a claim against the city and officers involved in the shooting. Filing a claim is required before filing a lawsuit.[6]
On November 1, 2023, the state's Department of Justice cleared the officers of any wrong-doing, stating that the officers acted with intent to defend themselves and others.[7][8]
On May 7, 2024, the city settled the childrens' claims for $5.8 million.[9][10]
Video
Anaheim patrol and SWAT officers are equipped with body-worn cameras. Some footage is shown in the Incident Briefing.[1]
Officers Involved
Public Comments
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Anaheim Police Department Critical Incident Briefing, Anaheim PD Youtube, 2021-11-12
- ↑ Caitlin Antonios, Anaheim police release video of September fatal shooting of Santa Ana man, OC Register, 2021-11-12
- ↑ Nathaniel Percy, Anaheim police fatally shoot robbery suspect in Santa Ana, OC Register, 2021-11-29
- ↑ Ben Brazil, Anaheim police mistook plastic bottle in bag for a gun in fatal shooting of councilman’s cousin, Los Angeles Times, 2021-11-18
- ↑ Current Cases, State of California Department of Justice
- ↑ Family Files Legal Claim in Man’s Killing by Anaheim PD, My News LA, 2021-11-23
- ↑ Hunter Lee, State Department of Justice clears Anaheim officers in 2021 shooting of Brandon Lopez, Orange County Register, 2023-11-01
- ↑ Report on the Investigation into the Death of Brandon Lopez on September 28, 2021, California Department of Justice, 2023-11-01
- ↑ Destiny Torres, City of Anaheim to pay $5.8 million in lawsuit over death of Brandon Lopez, Orange County Register, 2024-06-07
- ↑ Settlement Application, U.S. District Court, 2024-05-07
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