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LAPD Chief Reverses Officer-Involved Shooting Ruling: A Call for Accountability and Reflection

In a significant move for police accountability, Interim Los Angeles Police Department Chief Dominic Choi has overturned an initial ruling that cleared an officer of wrongdoing in the fatal shooting of Oscar Vasquez Lopez, 44, during an encounter on October 7, 2023. This reversal shines a light on the complexities of officer-involved shootings and the critical need for sound tactical decision-making in high-stress situations.

Author

Devonta Richardson
October 13, 2024

Incident Overview

  • Date and Time: October 7, 2023, at approximately 1:05 a.m.

  • Location: CVS Pharmacy, 21051 Sherman Way, Canoga Park.

  • Situation: Officers responded to a report of a man holding a handgun in a gray pickup truck.

Sequence of Events

  1. Officers Approach: Upon arrival, LAPD officers found Lopez and his brother seemingly passed out in the front seats of the vehicle, which had tinted windows.

  2. Gun Discovery: A handgun was seen protruding from Lopez's waistband.

  3. Officer’s Actions: Officer Sean Steelmon, armed with a shotgun, stated that he repeatedly ordered Lopez not to reach for his waistband. He believed Lopez was "acquiring the grip" of the gun before he opened fire.

Chief Choi's Ruling

In August 2024, Chief Choi ruled that Officer Steelmon was not justified in using deadly force. The chief emphasized that:

  • De-escalation tactics or alternatives should have been considered before resorting to deadly force.

  • There were serious tactical errors made during the incident, including:

    • Failing to utilize available tools such as shields, PA systems, emergency lights, and sirens.

    • Not requesting assistance from the Air Support Division and Metropolitan Division personnel.

Recommendations for Improvement

Chief Choi recommended that officers should have:

  • Disengaged and waited for backup before approaching the vehicle.

  • Considered the occupants' level of intoxication to adjust their approach appropriately.

Review Process

An internal panel initially cleared Officer Steelmon of any wrongdoing. However, Chief Choi rejected this recommendation, asserting that Lopez's actions did not justify the use of deadly force. The Police Commission unanimously supported Chief Choi’s decision, affirming the need for accountability within the department.

Aftermath and Implications

  • Disciplinary Actions: The specifics of Officer Steelmon's discipline will be determined by Chief Choi.

  • Family's Response: Lopez's family has filed a wrongful death claim, alleging that language barriers and confusion contributed to the tragic outcome.

This case underscores the importance of tactical decision-making, de-escalation techniques, and the need for thorough assessments in situations involving intoxicated or potentially armed individuals. Furthermore, it highlights the crucial role of departmental review processes in ensuring accountability and improving policing practices.

Conclusion

As this case unfolds, it is a powerful reminder of the challenges law enforcement officers face and the critical importance of adhering to established protocols and employing de-escalation strategies. For police officers, continuous training and awareness of the dynamics of high-stress encounters are essential to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

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