Crime & Safety

Jury Awards $2 Million to Family of Azusa Man Shot by LASD Deputy

Efrain Lara Gutierrez, 31, was shot by Deputy David Salazar on Oct. 2, 2009.

Written by City News Service

A Los Angeles federal jury awarded $2 million to the family of an Azusa man shot to death by a Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy, an attorney announced today.

Efrain Lara Gutierrez, 31, was shot by Deputy David Salazar on Oct. 2, 2009, during an investigation of possible vehicle break-ins.

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Dale Galipo, the family's lawyer, argued that Gutierrez was shot in the back as he was running away from the deputy.

The sheriff's department countered that the deputy fired because Gutierrez threatened him with a knife.

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The jury returned with the damages award Monday after deliberating for a day and a half, Galipo said.

Sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore said the department would file a challenge to the verdict.



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