Latino is shot 47 times by San Gabriel’s Police!
Los Angeles, US, May 15 (EFE).-
The family of a 50-year-old Latino man shot and killed by police in California is calling the United States Department of Justice to bring criminal charges against the officers involved, arguing the incident amounted to cold-blooded murder.”
Pedro Meza was fatally shot in Jul. 2024 by officers with the San Gabriel Police Department following a brief car chase sparked by a traffic violation.
According to his family’s attorney, Michael Carrillo, a federal civil rights complaint has been filed, urging a full investigation and prosecution of the officers.
“This was a man trying to protect himself near his home,” Carrillo told EFE. “In my opinion, what you see in this case is an execution.”
Bodycam shows officers open fire without warning
The incident began when police attempted to stop Meza’s car for speeding in San Gabriel, a majority-Latino city east of Los Angeles.
The situation escalated into a six-minute pursuit that ended in a cul-de-sac near Meza’s residence.
Body camera footage released by the attorney shows that as soon as Meza’s vehicle stopped, officers began firing.
Despite Meza stepping out of the car, police continued shooting without issuing verbal warnings. The man retreated into the vehicle and was later found dead inside. Authorities fired 47 rounds, eight of which struck Meza.
Carrillo said Meza appeared to be seeking safety, not posing a threat. “He was denied the chance to live, all for a traffic infraction,” he said.
Police say they feared Meza was armed
San Gabriel Police stated that Meza failed to raise his hands, and the position of his arms led officers to believe he was holding a weapon.
No gun was found at the scene, according to the family’s legal team.
Dora Hernández, Meza’s wife, said during a press conference that he had left their home just minutes before the incident.”
“He was speeding and didn’t stop right away. But that doesn’t justify being shot 47 times,” she said. “He was cornered in a dead-end street, and they opened fire.”
Community calls for accountability
The shooting has sparked renewed concerns over excessive force and racial profiling in Latino communities. San Gabriel, where the incident occurred, is over 60% Hispanic.
The Department of Justice has not commented on whether it will open a civil rights investigation. The family hopes federal intervention will hold the officers accountable in a case they say represents a broader pattern of police violence against Latinos.
“We’re asking for justice,” Carrillo said. “This cannot keep happening, especially not over something as minor as a traffic stop.” EFE amv/seo/mcd
