A ruling by a federal judge this week reminds us again of the crucial role the City Attorney’s Office has in the criminal justice system.

The tragic shooting of a 19-year-old Winnetka man unfolded on live television in April 2012 after LAPD officers tried to stop him for erratic driving on the 101 Freeway. Although it turned out Abdul Arian was not armed and carrying only a cell phone, the video shot by news crews showed him getting out of his car at the end of the pursuit and taking a shooting-type stance toward pursuing officers just before they opened fire. Moreover, during the late-night pursuit, Arian called 911 and told a dispatcher he was armed and prepared to shoot officers.

Despite the circumstances, the victim’s family filed a $120 million wrongful death lawsuit against the LAPD. Thankfully, in response to a motion by the City Attorney, U.S. District Judge R. Gary Klausner dismissed the lawsuit on Monday, April 30, ruling that there was “no triable issue of material fact” as to plaintiffs’ claims of wrongful death, excessive force, civil rights claims, negligence and battery. It was a welcome decision and vindication that the officers’ actions were completely justified.

City Attorney Carmen Trutanich said the case was a “tragic episode” for the Arian family and the LAPD. “That being the case, the residents of the city of Los Angeles should not have to pay for something the police were totally justified in doing” Trutanich told City News Service. “There was a perception of grave threats to the officers at the time.”

We are once again grateful to the Police Litigation Unit, specifically Assistant City Attorney Denise Mills, for their diligent work and presentation of a compelling case in defense of the officers, and to Judge Klausner for a decisive ruling upholding the right of LAPD officers to act in defense of the public and themselves.

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