This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Jury Clears LAPD In Death Of Man Who Choked On Heroin
The jury never heard former Police Chief Charlie Beck's conclusion that officers' tasing of Alex Aguilar five times was "objectively unreasonable." Beck also found "no evidence [Aguilar] was an immediate threat to the officers."
(
Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images
)
Listen
4:36
Jury Clears LAPD In Death Of Man Who Choked On Heroin
A federal jury has decided that five LAPD officers are not liable for the death of a man who tried to swallow a large bindle of heroin during a strip search, rejecting his family's claim that the police used excessive force while trying to stop him and failed to render aid that could have saved his life. One officer allegedly tased Alex Aguilar five times in the 2016 incident - but the jury never heard the then-chief of police's conclusion that the tasing was "objectively unreasonable."