Facts

Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy Scott Sorrow shot a Palmdale teenager who was holding a toy gun. The shooting was prompted by a 911 call about a man on a bike who was pointing what appeared to be a gun at cars and people. The teenager, William Fetter, was 15 at the time. He sued the City of Los Angeles and Sorrows for unlawful excessive force.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
The plaintiff contended that the caller mentioned that the gun could be fake. The plaintiff also contended that he was using the plastic toy gun to play "cops and robbers" with other kids in the street. The plaintiff further contended that the orange tip was broken off.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS:
Defendant Sorrow contended that the toy gun the plaintiff was holding did not have an orange tip as most toy guns do. The defendant further contended that the plaintiff did not stop and drop the gun as ordered, and even pointed the gun at the patrol car.

Injuries

Fetters was shot once in his upper left torso.

Result

The jury awarded Fetters more than $1 million in non-economic damages.

Poll

9-3 (excessive force)