December 26, 2024 The Best Source of News, Culture, Lifestyle for Culver City, Mar Vista, Del Rey, Palms and West Los Angeles

Lawsuit On Behalf Of Two Teens Alleges Encounter With Police Contained Racial Overtones

(Thinkstock)
(Thinkstock)

A $20 million lawsuit filed on behalf of two teens, one of whom was mistakenly shot by police in South Los Angeles after his friend was spotted with what turned out to be replica handgun, alleges their encounter with officers had racial overtones.

The lawsuit filed Monday in Los Angeles federal court by the mother of Jamar Nicholson and the father of another teen present during the shooting alleges that officers violated the boys’ civil rights by using excessive force.

Attorney John Harris alleges police showed “callous disregard” for 15- year-old Jamar, who was shot in the back around 7:45 a.m. Feb. 10 near Crenshaw Boulevard and Florence Avenue.

The officer who shot the boy was one of a group of criminal gang homicide officers in civilian clothes conducting an investigation in the area. Police said one officer called out to the youth carrying the replica weapon and ordered him to put it down, and when he didn’t, the officer fired, striking the other teen in the upper back.

The Los Angeles Police Department does not comment on pending litigation, according to Officer Ricardo Hernandez of the LAPD’s media relations office.

Harris alleges that the decision by officers to confront the teenagers was based on their race. Jamar is black, and the other teen plaintiff is Hispanic, according to the lawsuit.

In February, LAPD officials blamed the shooting on the existence of realistic replica weapons. In the days following the shooting, LAPD officials held a news conference, displaying realistic-looking replica weapons and urging parents to prevent their children from carrying such toys.

After the shooting, Jamar told reporters that he knew his friend was carrying a replica gun but had no idea whether the other boy was pointing it in his direction. He said they were walking their normal route to school when he heard someone yell “Freeze!” Seconds later, he was shot.

The lawsuit names the officer who fired the shot as Miguel Gutierrez, and other defendants include the city of Los Angeles, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck and various unnamed officers.

in Crime, News
Related Posts

The Best and Most Intriguing NYE Celebrations on the Westside

December 25, 2024

December 25, 2024

Check Out These Options for Your New Year’s Dinner & Drinks Alice B., the newest creation of the duo behind...

Vietnam War Veteran Killed in Santa Monica Hit-and-Run on Wilshire

December 25, 2024

December 25, 2024

Police Seek Public’s Help in Identifying Suspect After Fatal Collision The life of a Vietnam War veteran was extinguished in...

Film Review: The Brutalist

December 24, 2024

December 24, 2024

By Dolores Quintana Filled with grandeur as stark as the Brutalist architecture designed by László Tóth, The Brutalist is epic...

Metro Los Angeles Offers Free Holiday Rides For the Holidays, Exclusive Event Perks

December 23, 2024

December 23, 2024

Celebrate the Season With Free Rides, Special Surprises, Discounted Access  Metro is making it easier for Los Angeles residents and...

Culver City Police Seek Suspects in Armed Robbery Following ATM Withdrawal

December 23, 2024

December 23, 2024

Two Suspects Stole Over $4,000 After Following a Victim From an ATM Police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred...

First Human Case of H5 Bird Flu Confirmed in Los Angeles County

December 23, 2024

December 23, 2024

Exposure to Raw or Undercooked Animal Products Pose Risks A human case of H5 bird flu has been confirmed in...

Film Review: Nosferatu

December 22, 2024

December 22, 2024

By Dolores Quintana Claws encased in a velvet glove. The audience helplessly feels Death’s wings enveloping the characters. Robert Egger’s...

School of Rock West LA Turns 14 This November

December 22, 2024

December 22, 2024

By Susan Payne While School of Rock West Los Angeles is celebrating its 14th anniversary this November, the school continues...

Culver City Police Offer Vacation Checks for Peace of Mind During Holiday Travel

December 22, 2024

December 22, 2024

Sign Up for Free Patrol Checks While You’re Away to Keep Your Home Secure With the holiday season in full...

LA County Launches Pilot Program to Help RV Residents Transition to Permanent Housing

December 22, 2024

December 22, 2024

New Initiative Offers Safe Parking, Support Services, and a Pathway To Stable Housing Los Angeles County has launched the Pathway...

Experience Elevated Brunch Vibes at LAVO West Hollywood with Live DJ and Luxe Cocktails

December 20, 2024

December 20, 2024

Indulge in a $46 Three-Course Brunch With Shareable Cocktail Trees, Signature Drinks,  LAVO West Hollywood, known for its upscale Italian...

LA Sheriff’s Department Seeks Public’s Help to Find West Hollywood Man John Joseph Mallon III

December 20, 2024

December 20, 2024

Missing West Hollywood Man Needs Medication and Is Considered At Risk The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Missing Persons Unit...

(Video) At Vistamar School – Discover the way high school should be

December 19, 2024

December 19, 2024

Students achieve remarkable outcomes with our strong academics, small classes, andpersonalized approach. Our graduates don’t just attend college—they excel. Vistamar’sunique...

LA Public Health Officials Warn Against Raw Milk Consumption Amid Bird Flu Outbreak

December 19, 2024

December 19, 2024

Second California Recall Affects Unpasteurized Milk; Risk of Illness to Humans and Pets The Los Angeles County Department of Public...

NCJW|LA Opens First Donation Center, Expanding Efforts to Support Women in Need

December 19, 2024

December 19, 2024

Donation Drive-Thru Launches ‘Season of Giving’ To Empower Women and Families The Los Angeles Section of the National Council of...