Facts

On May 23, 2014, Rashawn Brown was fatally shot by County of Los Angeles Sheriff's deputies. His minor children filed suit against defendants the County of Los Angeles, Gregory Rodriguez, and Dru Strong.

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiffs contended that deputies pursued Brown as he was driving away from the intersection of North Bradfield and San Luis Street in the City of Compton. After Brown reached a dead end and exited his vehicle, the deputies continued to pursue him on foot, eventually fatally shooting him in the back several times, as he was running away. Plaintiffs claimed that Brown did not pose an immediate threat of death or serious bodily injury to anyone at the time of the shooting, and therefore the shooting was unjustified.

Plaintiffs brought civil rights claims under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983 and alleged false arrest/false imprisonment, battery (wrongful death) and negligence (wrongful death).

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
The county contended that Brown was a gang member who was suspected of committing a drive-by shooting and drove in a fast and reckless manner after seeing the deputies. It claimed that Brown was not shot in the back and that he shot at the deputies while he was attempting escape. It sought to dismiss the complaint on collateral estoppel grounds based on a prior dismissed lawsuit.

Result

The County of Los Angeles settled with plaintiffs for $90,000.

Other Information

FILING DATE: Aug. 27, 2014.