The family of Arturo Cernas, a man killed last year by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies, has filed a lawsuit against the county. The incident, which occurred in Carson on August 7, 2023, has raised serious questions about the use of lethal force by law enforcement officers.
The Incident
According to the Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded to a call about a man “causing a disturbance and screaming at the gas pumps” at 17400 South Central Avenue.
Upon arrival, they encountered Cernas, 34, who reportedly had addiction and schizophrenia. Deputies noticed the butt of a handgun protruding from his pocket and ordered him to drop it. However, video footage shows that Cernas initially complied, kneeling to the ground with his hands visible.
However, moments later, Cernas began reaching into his bag and pockets, including the one containing a BB pistol. While he did not appear to be drawing the weapon in a manner that suggested he would use it, one deputy deployed a bean-bag round to subdue him, while another deputy simultaneously opened fire with live rounds.
Cernas was struck four times and later pronounced dead at the scene.
Disputed Force
The family’s attorney, Luis Carrillo, contends that lethal force was not justified. “[The deputies] did not know how to deescalate the situation,” he asserted, “and they resorted to deadly force in a millionth of a second and killed a human being.”
The Sheriff’s Department, in a statement, said it “take[s] all deputy-involved shootings seriously” and that a thorough review process is ongoing.
Ongoing Investigations
Apart from the Sheriff’s Department’s internal review, the Office of Inspector General and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division are also conducting separate investigations.
The investigations will seek to determine whether Department policies and procedures were followed, as well as whether the shooting was legally justified.
Seeking Justice
“I just want justice,” pleaded Beatriz Loera, Cernas’ mother. “I hope that this lawsuit will bring about change and prevent such needless tragedies in the future.”
The lawsuit remains pending, and the outcome of the multiple investigations is yet to be determined. However, the incident has reignited the debate about the use of lethal force by law enforcement, particularly in cases involving individuals with mental health issues.
