Peralta, et al. v. City of Los Angeles, et al.

Summary

In this case, plaintiffs sought to recover damages for the shooting death of a 14-year-old girl in a California department store, when a police officer discharged his weapon while responding to a call at the site.

Plaintiffs contend the officer failed to follow appropriate weapons policy and recklessly fired his weapon while on the scene, with a stray bullet fatally striking the child, who was in a store dressing room at the time.

The defense contends the officer was responding to a call of a potential attack by a suspect, and was required to make a split-second decision under extreme pressure.

Outcome

For the defense.