A federal jury has mandated that the city of Los Angeles pay a substantial $11.8 million in compensation to a young man who was permanently blinded by a police projectile during celebrations for the Dodgers' 2020 World Series victory. The verdict, delivered after a brief deliberation, highlights ongoing concerns over police crowd control tactics.
Victim's Life Derailed by Police Action
Isaac Castellanos, aged 27, was a college senior at California State University, Long Beach, when he was struck in the face by a projectile fired by Los Angeles Police Department officers on October 28, 2020. He was peacefully celebrating in downtown LA following the Dodgers' championship win. The impact resulted in permanent blindness in one eye, devastating his promising future as a professional esports player.
Just weeks before the incident, Castellanos had won first place in a tournament, earning a $40,000 prize with a teammate. His attorney, Monique Alarcon, stated, "He was at a pivotal point in his life ... and this completely derailed him." Castellanos filed a federal lawsuit in 2022, alleging excessive use of force by the LAPD.
Jury's Swift Verdict and Emotional Response
The jury deliberated for less than two hours before ordering the multi-million dollar payment on Thursday. Castellanos, seated beside his attorneys, was brought to tears upon hearing the verdict. Alarcon expressed that her client feels "incredibly relieved and very vindicated" and hopes this outcome will prompt the LAPD to reevaluate its crowd control practices.
The lawsuit claimed that LAPD officers advanced toward the crowd and began firing projectiles, described as "less lethal" munitions such as rubber bullets or bean bags, without any prior warning. The LA City Attorney's office has not immediately responded to requests for comment on the case.
History of Legal Challenges to LAPD Tactics
This case is not isolated; the LAPD has faced multiple lawsuits regarding the use of less lethal munitions for crowd control. In response to previous incidents, including journalists being hit during protests against Trump administration immigration policies, a federal judge blocked LA police from using rubber bullets and similar munitions against reporters.
Further legal actions have seen a federal judge issue an injunction in January against the LAPD, prohibiting the use of 40 mm launchers in any crowd control situations. These munitions are categorized as less lethal but can cause severe injuries when misused.
California's Regulatory Measures
In 2021, California implemented restrictions on the use of less lethal munitions, requiring police to attempt alternatives before resorting to such force. Regulations now forbid aiming indiscriminately into crowds or at vital areas like the head, neck, or organs. Additionally, firing solely for curfew violations, verbal threats, or non-compliance with directions is prohibited.
This legal framework aims to prevent tragedies like Castellanos' injury, yet this case underscores persistent issues in police practices. The substantial settlement serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of excessive force and the need for ongoing reform in law enforcement protocols.
