Facts

On Feb. 9, 2014, Gabriel Sanchez was struck and injured by a police vehicle driven by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Morgan Arteaga in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. Sanchez sued the County of Los Angeles and Arteaga for civil rights violations pursuant to 42 U.S.C. Section 1983, alleging excessive force, municipal liability, and failure to train and supervise, as well as state law claims for intentional infliction of emotional distress, battery and negligence.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Sanchez contended that Arteaga used his vehicle as a weapon and/or device to attempt to capture and detain Sanchez when he drove the vehicle up a curb and into Sanchez, causing Sanchez to fall to the ground. Sanchez claimed that Arteaga's excessive, unlawful and unjustified force caused him severe emotional and psychological injuries, including a seizure. He further contended that the County of Los Angeles was liable under the doctrine of respondeat superior.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS:
Defendants contended that Sanchez while fleeing on foot from a lawful traffic stop, and running across traffic lanes when he was accidentally struck by Arteaga. Defendants claimed Arteaga was responding to a call for assistance. Defendants contended Arteaga was involved in a traffic collision and not an intentional use of force.

Result

The parties settled for $95,000.

Other Information

FILING DATE: Sept. 4, 2014.