A Los Angeles jury has awarded $2.2 million in damages to a protester, Cellin Gluck, who was shot in the face by a sheriff’s deputy during a 2020 police brutality protest. The verdict comes after the sheriff’s department was found liable for excessive use of force, causing Gluck permanent injuries.
Details of the Incident
In May 2020, Gluck, a filmmaker, and his daughter were attending a peaceful protest following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. After leaving the protest, they approached another protester who appeared injured and was reportedly struck by a beanbag projectile. It was then that Gluck was shot in the face with a less-lethal munition by a Los Angeles sheriff’s deputy.
Gluck, who was unarmed and holding only a camera, was struck in the face by the projectile, which caused his head to snap back and led to him falling to the ground. The projectile remained lodged in his nasal cavity for nearly a year and required surgery to remove it. As a result, Gluck suffered permanent disfigurement, traumatic brain injury, and other lasting effects.
Jury’s Verdict and Reduced Damages
The jury found L.A. County liable for Gluck’s injuries and awarded him $3.5 million in damages, with an additional $300,000 for emotional distress to his daughter, who was present at the time of the incident. However, since the jury also found the protesters partially at fault for the incident, the damages were reduced by 35%. As a result, Gluck will receive approximately $2.27 million, and his daughter’s award will be $195,000.
Legal Response
In a statement, L.A. County’s legal team indicated that they are considering an appeal after the verdict. “The County is exploring all of its options in this case, including the possibility of an appeal,” the statement said.
Gluck’s LA police brutality lawyer, expressed that while Gluck has received some justice, the award is still far from enough to compensate for the lifelong impact of the injury. He also criticized the lack of accountability, as the sheriff’s department failed to identify the deputy who shot Gluck.
He emphasized that law enforcement training prohibits targeting individuals above the shoulder unless they present a deadly threat. He urged further accountability within law enforcement agencies, stating that until they are held accountable for their actions, there will continue to be verdicts by the people of Los Angeles trying to send a message.
The Impact of Less-Lethal Munitions
The use of less-lethal munitions by law enforcement such as rubber bullets and beanbags have been heavily scrutinized in recent years, particularly in the wake of protests. Gluck’s case follows a growing number of incidents where protesters, journalists, and bystanders have been injured by less-lethal projectiles during demonstrations. The issue gained more attention after a federal judge granted a temporary restraining order prohibiting L.A. police from using rubber projectiles against journalists.
How Police Brutality Center Can Help You
If you have been injured during a protest or believe you have been subjected to excessive force by law enforcement, it’s important to seek experienced legal help. Our team specializes in civil rights cases and can assist you in filing a claim against a city or county over police misconduct.
We can guide you through the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected, and help you pursue justice for any injuries or emotional distress caused by law enforcement’s actions. Contact Police Brutality Center for a free consultation to discuss your options.