Santa Ana Man's Family Files Civil Rights Claim After Fatal Police Shooting

Civil Rights Claim Filed

• 📌 The family of Victor Lopez, an 18-year-old Santa Ana man, has filed a government claim against the city.
• ⚖️ This claim is the first step toward a civil rights lawsuit following his death last week.

Circumstances of the Shooting

• 🚗 Police attempted to pull Lopez over on January 29th, but he continued driving to an apartment complex where he lived.
• 🔫 Lopez exited the car, dropped a loaded handgun, and began walking toward the officer with his hands raised.
• ⚠️ Police state Lopez suddenly turned back toward the gun on the ground and lowered his hands, prompting the officer to open fire after issuing commands.

Family's Legal Arguments

• ✋ Attorneys for the family argue that Lopez was attempting to surrender and was shot in the back three times while getting on the ground.
• 🗣️ They contend that the officer's subjective thoughts are not sufficient justification for the shooting.

Demands for Transparency

• 🔍 The family is demanding an independent investigation by the Orange County District Attorney.
• 🎥 They are also requesting the release of the officer's name and body camera footage to support their claims.
• ⏳ The family's legal team emphasizes there is no reason to delay the release of information.