Los Angeles County faces lawsuit after deputies kill Arturo Cernas in Carson.
The family of a man killed last year by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies is suing the county.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Press Release
08-07-23
LASD Deputy-Involved Shooting (DIS) in the 17400 block of S. Central Avenue, Carson.
The following information is based on facts determined from an investigation into the incident described. The investigation is ongoing and as witnesses are interviewed, evidence is analyzed and reports are reviewed, our understanding of the facts may change. The details described below accurately reflect the facts as
we currently know them.
On August 7, 2023, at 1:55 a.m., Carson Station deputies responded to a business in the 17400 block of S. Central Avenue in the city of Carson, regarding a call of a person acting suspiciously. Information in the call indicated a male was causing a disturbance and screaming at the gas pumps. The male was later identified as 34-year-old Arturo
Cernas of Los Angeles.
Upon arrival, deputies located Cernas near the west entrance of the gas station and immediately noticed the butt of a handgun protruding from Cernas’ pant pocket. The deputies gave Cernas numerous orders to keep his hands up, not reach for or remove the firearm from his pocket. Cernas ignored the deputies’ commands and began to draw the handgun from inside his pocket. A less lethal 40mm foam projectile was fired at Cernas; however, Cernas continued to draw the weapon from his pocket and almost simultaneously, a deputy-involved shooting occurred.
Cernas was struck by gunfire and tossed the firearm to the ground. Deputies rendered first aid until the arrival of the Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics.
Paramedics pronounced Cernas dead at the scene.
A CO2 BB pistol was recovered at the scene.
There were no other persons injured in the incident.
LASD Homicide investigators responded to the scene to conduct interviews, follow up, and process the scene. Representatives from the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), Internal Affairs Bureau (IAB), and the Los Angeles
County District Attorney’s Office, Justice System Integrity Division (JSID) also responded and monitored the investigation.
Once completed, the criminal investigation will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office to determine if the force used by the involved personnel violated any criminal laws. Once the District Attorney’s Office investigation is completed, the LASD will evaluate the actions of the personnel within the application of policy, procedures, and tactics.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call Sheriff’s Homicide at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips may be received through CRIMESTOPPERS at 800-222-8477.
***UPDATE***
The employee involved in the deputy-involved shooting was identified as Deputy Carlos Maciel.
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