A federal jury has ordered the city of Los Angeles to pay $11.8 million to Isaac Castellanos, a man who was permanently blinded by a projectile fired by police during celebrations for the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 2020 World Series win. The verdict, handed down on Thursday, is the result of a lawsuit brought by Castellanos, who was a college student at the time of the incident.
### Incident Details
The incident occurred on October 28, 2020, when Castellanos was part of a large crowd celebrating the Dodgers’ victory in downtown Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) deployed “less lethal” munitions, including rubber bullets and bean bag rounds, to disperse the crowd. According to Castellanos’ legal complaint, officers advanced into the crowd and fired these projectiles without warning, resulting in Castellanos being struck in the face.
Following the incident, Castellanos lost vision in one eye, which has had a profound impact on his life and career aspirations. At the time of the shooting, he was a senior at California State University, Long Beach, and had recently achieved success in professional esports, winning a $40,000 prize in a tournament shortly before the incident.
### Legal Proceedings and Implications
In 2022, Castellanos filed a federal lawsuit against the LAPD, alleging excessive use of force. The jury reached a decision relatively quickly, deliberating for less than two hours before delivering its verdict. Castellanos, who was present alongside his legal team, expressed emotion upon receiving news of the ruling. His attorney, Monique Alarcon, commented that he feels relieved and vindicated, and she expressed hope that the outcome would prompt a review of the LAPD’s crowd control policies.
The LAPD’s tactics surrounding crowd control have come under scrutiny in recent years, particularly for their use of less lethal munitions. Several lawsuits have been filed against the department concerning these practices. Alarcon emphasized that Castellanos was at a critical juncture in his life when the incident occurred and that the injuries he sustained have been life-altering.
### Broader Context of Crowd Control Tactics
The use of less lethal munitions by police has been controversial, particularly in light of several incidents involving civilians and journalists being injured. Following protests against the Trump administration’s immigration policies in 2020, a federal judge restricted LAPD’s ability to deploy rubber bullets against reporters. In January 2021, another federal ruling barred the LAPD from using 40 mm launchers, which are classified as less lethal munitions, during crowd control efforts.
In response to increasing public concern and scrutiny, California has implemented legislation aimed at regulating the use of less lethal munitions in crowd situations. This includes mandates that require police to explore alternative methods before deploying force, as well as prohibitions against targeting individuals in sensitive areas such as the head or neck.
### Future Prospects
Castellanos’ attorney believes that this substantial award and the attention on LAPD tactics may lead to much-needed changes within the department. “We are hopeful that this verdict will serve as a catalyst for the LAPD to reconsider its approach to crowd control,” Alarcon stated.
As a young man who was building a promising career in esports, Castellanos now faces an uncertain future primarily impacted by the injuries he sustained during what was intended to be a jubilant celebration. His case may also serve as a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue about police practices and the treatment of civilians in crowd situations across the United States.
The LAPD had not responded to requests for comments regarding the jury’s verdict or the implications of this case. Meanwhile, the legal and public discussions surrounding less lethal munitions continue to evolve, as stakeholders aim to clarify guidelines and better protect civilians during public disturbances.
Source: Original Reporting
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