Facts

On Jan. 11, 2014, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Dept. SWAT team was involved in the fatal shooting of Enrique Carlos Rodarte at a residence in Victorville.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiffs alleged that the civil rights of decedent were violated, and deputies used excessive deadly force in violation of the Fourth Amendment and United States Constitution, and which caused the death of Rodarte.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Defendants contended Rodarte brandished a gun at a family party, and fled. He pointed a weapon at deputies while under pursuit, crashed his vehicle into a wall, and barricaded himself in a house with the handgun. After several hours of standoff, Rodarte appeared at the front door and extended his middle finger, then slammed the door. Rodarte subsequently appeared again in the doorway, with a beer in his hand, wearing a fedora, sunglasses, and a poncho, yelling obscenities. He refused to obey orders to show his hands, and thrust his right arm in the front pocket of the poncho. The deputies shot and killed Rodarte, believing it necessary to prevent him from killing them or their partners.

Defendants disputed all of plaintiffs' claims, liability and damages. Defendants contended the use of force was reasonable and the nature and extent of the injuries claimed by the plaintiffs.

Result

Defense verdict.