The trial of three Redondo Beach Police officers in a shooting of a man inside his parents’ home in 2019 is set to begin Jan. 24.
A U.S. District Court decision last May moved the case of Luke Carlson vs. City of Redondo Beach another step closer to a jury trial.
The man’s parents have accused the officers of excessive force after their adult son was shot three times the night of Jan. 8, 2019 at a residence on the Esplanade.
The case was filed by Luke Carlson, the son – who survived – and parents Jeffery Carlson and Jeanne Zimmer. It alleges that unreasonable force was used in the shooting of Luke Carlson, as well as in apprehending his parents.
Judge Otis D. Wright, II, District Court Central District, denied a motion May 12, 2021 by the three Redondo Beach police officers for a summary judgment in the case.
A key point of contention is whether or not Luke Carlson had a gun in his hand before officers opened fire.
A total of eight claims were filed against RBPD officers Patrick Knox, Ryan Crespin and Sergeant Mark Valdivia, and a claim for punitive damages.
Plaintiffs also argue that the City of Redondo Beach has “a widespread, pervasive practice of insulating deputies from accountability of shootings.”
City Attorney Mike Webb contends that, in this incident, and in the 10 years leading up to it, for each RBPD officer-involved shooting, the facts and subsequent investigations showed each officer acted properly. ER
