Man fatally shot by CHP officer on 105 Freeway is identified, investigation into circumstances continues
An investigation continued on Tuesday, Nov. 21, into the death of a 34-year-old Los Angeles man, allegedly armed with a Taser, who was fatally shot by a California Highway Patrol officer during a struggle on the 105 Freeway on Sunday — with authorities releasing few details on what led to the altercation.
On Sunday afternoon, the man identified by authorities as Jesse Dominguez was walking across the westbound freeway lanes near the Wilmington Avenue off-ramp in Lynwood, prompting multiple 911 calls, according to the California Highway Patrol. An arriving officer attempted to persuade Dominguez from off the highway lanes, but he didn’t obey the officer’s commands.
The officer stopped traffic in the westbound lanes and tried to approach Dominguez and a struggle ensued.
Dominguez pulled out a Taser during the struggle and used it on the officer, who, “in fear for his safety,” then shot the suspect, the CHP said in a statement on Monday.
Dominguez was taken to a hospital, where he died on Sunday.
A video recorded by a bystander that has circulated on social media captured the moments the officer and Dominguez were struggling on the road, with the officer eventually coming to his feet and firing multiple shots at the man. It was not clear who took the original video.
The state Department of Justice, which did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday, is investigating the shooting in line with its policy of reviewing incidents when the deceased did not have a deadly weapon. A stun gun is not considered a lethal weapon under state law.
Some local leaders have described the video “deeply disturbing,” and have called for increased transparency from the California Highway Patrol.
Ed Obayashi, a police use of force expert who investigates police shootings for several law enforcement agencies in California, said that the viral video is missing context, with the video only beginning after the officer and the man were wrestling on the freeway.
“We cannot see what led up to the fight, and we don’t know what was being said between officer and suspect. This unfolded so quickly.” Obayashi said.
David Dusenbury, a retired deputy chief of police in Long Beach, California, called the video clip “extremely troubling” and said he hoped more footage exists to provide additional context.
Based on his viewing of the video, he said the shooting did not appear to be a justified use of force, in part because Dominguez was on the ground and the officer was just a few feet away when he “fires directly into the guy.”
“I don’t like what I saw, I really don’t,” Dusenbury told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
Dusenbury said the officer should have had backup, at least to close the freeway, and should have waited to approach Dominguez carefully and from a distance with another patrolman.
“If they’re wandering in traffic lanes, then you’ve got to conclude that there’s something wrong with this individual,” such as intoxication or mental health issues, he said.
The officer has been placed on administrative leave, authorities said.