A Los Angeles County (LASD) deputy sheriff is facing two counts for continuing to open fire on a suicide man who was shot by police and was lying on the ground, District Attorney George Gascón announced on Thursday.
Remin Pineda, who also turned 38 on Thursday, has been charged with assault with a semi-automatic gun and assault in the color of government for the death of David Ordaz Jr., 34, last year. .
The incident made headlines across the country, as well as a federal civil rights lawsuit by the Ordaz . familyaccused Pineda and three other deputies of using “unnecessary and lethal force to unjustly kill” the father of three children on March 14, 2021.
His family said Ordaz, who had been in trouble with the police before, had mental health problems and wanted to kill himself “according to the police” that day. One of Ordaz’s sisters called 911 for help, telling the dispatcher that Ordaz was saying he wanted to die and asking for guidance on “what I can do to help.” [him]. “
When representatives arrived, they found Ordaz sitting in a car outside the family home, believed to be under the influence of methamphetamine. Officers ordered Ordaz to get out of the car, and he emerged wielding a 12-inch kitchen knife “while telling deputies to shoot him,” according to one Summary of the incident that LASD released after Ordaz .’s death.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
“Delegates requested additional Sheriff staff to respond, particularly staff armed with less lethal weapons and the Psychiatric Evaluation Team (MET),” the summary states. “MET members responded but had not yet arrived at the time of the shooting. While continuing to talk to Ordaz and order him to drop the knife, Ordaz approached the deputies, and stun bullets were fired at Ordaz. “
Bodycam video shows Ordaz backing away and turning around after being hit by a non-lethal bullet, but when he appeared to quickly turn back towards the delegates, they opened fire. According to Gascón’s office, officers shot him “multiple times”, rendering Ordaz immobilizing his shoulder.
“After Ordaz fell to the ground, dropped his knife and lay facing the delegates, Pineda was charged with continuing to fire his pistol,” Gascón’s statement said. (The Ordaz family lawsuit claims the “murder shot” punctured Ordaz’s chest.)
Ordaz was taken to a local hospital, where he was declared dead. Police Chief Alex Villaneuva later said he had “serious concern“After the shooting, and Pineda was suspended.
Former police officer and University of South Carolina law professor Seth Stoughton Talk to LA time End of August that things actually appear excessive.
“He was completely on the ground,” Stoughton said. “The last shot had no reason at all.”
Three other officers, who have not been charged, have been identified by authorities as Deputy Edwin Navarrete, Deputy Jaime Romero, and Deputy Nathaniel Trujillo.
Ordaz, an amateur boxer, nicknamed “Rembo” and “Pinoy Power” in the ring, according to a 2017 interview, he gave to an organization that punishes fights between police officers, firefighters, and other first responders. Ordaz said he is a former Marine who loves to ride a 2011 Honda Shadow motorcycle and eat carne asada “Super Chips” and named Dumb & Dumber is his favorite movie.
“Illegal and excessive force at the hands of the police erodes public trust and leads to further divisions between law enforcement and the public,” Gascón said in Thursday’s announcement. community they serve,” Gascón said in Thursday’s announcement, adding that the case is still under investigation. “We are held accountable to law enforcement when they act against the law. This tragic murder of Mr Ordaz in the presence of his own family has caused immense harm that will reverberate for years to come.”
Ordaz, whose attorney is not listed in court filings, could not be reached for comment on Thursday. His arrangement is yet to be scheduled.
