ANTHONY W. ISHII, Chief Judge.
This civil rights lawsuit arises from a fatal shooting involving members of the City of Porterville Police Department and decedent Eusebio Prieto ("Prieto"). Natalie Prieto and minors J.P., R.B, and S.B.,
On July 24, 2008, sometime in the late morning, Prieto drove his vehicle at an estimated 80 m.p.h. directly towards oncoming traffic.
Contreras drew his gun and ordered Prieto to exit the vehicle. See id. at 25:24-26:14. Prieto armed himself with a screwdriver and exited his vehicle. See DUMF 2. Ignoring commands to "stop" and to "drop your weapon," Prieto lunged or "jabbed forward" at Contreras with the screwdriver. See DUMF 3; Padilla Depo. 24:6-14. Contreras backed away from Prieto. See DUMF 4. Ignoring commands, Prieto yelled "shoot me, kill me." See DUMF 5. Eventually Prieto ran from Contreras towards civilians and the Foster Farms parking lot, and other police officers began to arrive with their sirens on. See Padilla Depo. 28:14-29:11. Contreras opined that Prieto could not move very fast, in part because Prieto was heavy set, and characterized Prieto's top speed as "barely moving" because of Prieto's size. See PAMF's 49-50.
Contreras informed Hall and Dowling (who had arrived) that Prieto had charged or "come at" him with a screwdriver. See DUMF 7; Contreras Depo. 42:25-43:4. Hall, Dowling, and Contreras pursued Prieto on foot. PAMF 24. The officers followed Prieto into the Foster Farms parking lot, and Contreras radioed dispatch to contact Foster Farms and tell them to "lock down." See Contreras Depo. 44:17-25. All three officers had
Prieto and the officers continued walking through the parking lot and the officers were telling him that they were the police, to stop, to drop the weapon, and not to move, but Prieto kept going through the parking lot, stabbed himself in the neck "a couple more" times, and said that the officers would have to shoot or kill him. See Hall Depo. 33:17-34:3. Prieto's neck was bleeding heavily. See PAMF 32. Hall believed that Prieto was acting like he was "crazy" or under the influence of drugs, see Hall Depo. 49:7-11, and Dowling believed that Prieto's behavior may be due to the use of a stimulant like methamphetamine or cocaine.
Prieto began walking down a sidewalk as the officers moved to a grassy area near Prieto. See PAMF 35. The officers told Prieto to stop, that they were police officers, to don't go any further, and to drop the screwdriver. See Hall Depo. 36:8-11. However, Prieto did not comply and continued to head towards the front of the Foster Farms building while stabbing himself and saying that the officers were going to have to shoot him or kill him. See id. at 36:13-18. Hall positioned himself between Prieto and the door of the Foster Farms building. See id. at 36:19-37:7. Hall wanted to prevent Prieto from getting inside where employees would be, and he wanted to try to change Prieto's direction back to the parking lot. See id. & 56:12-22. At some point, City police officers John Benas ("Benas"), Rick Carrillo ("Carrillo"), and Mark Lightfoot ("Lightfoot") arrived on the scene.
The officers continued to give commands to Prieto. See Hall Depo. 52:4-9 ("We were giving him commands the entire time.... Commands were continuous pretty much from the moment we got out of the car all the way up to the very end."). It appeared to Carrillo that Prieto was not "paying attention" to the officers and was in "sort of a daze." See Carrillo Depo. 9:10-14. Prieto advanced on Hall with the screwdriver raised. See Hall Depo. 49:4-14, 55:10-17; Benas Depo. 33:4-34:12.
Hall explained:
Hall Depo. 49:4-14. At the time that Prieto turned towards Hall, Lightfoot perceived that Prieto posed a threat to Hall. See Lightfoot Depo. 15:7-11, 16:3-10. Hall was approximately 8 to 10 feet away from Prieto at the time Hall fired this shot.
Prieto continued walking and went through an opening in a gate that was next to a guard shack. See PAMF's 64, 65; Hall Depo. 75:6-15, 77:2-4; Linley Depo. 17:8-16. William Linley, a Foster Farms employee, was inside the guard shack. See Linley Dep. 16:14-17. As Prieto walked passed the guard shack, Prieto and Linley were face to face through the guard shack window. See id. at 17:11-16. When Linley saw Prieto "face to face," Linley felt "real fear." See id. Linley explained that he was afraid for Prieto and for anyone who came into contact with Prieto because Prieto looked like someone who was not himself and "had a look of extreme anger" or who was "out of his mind." Id. at 18:6-14. Linley stated that the expression on Prieto's face indicated an intention of expressing anger in some fashion, and even if the intention was not to hurt someone, Prieto looked like he could do so. See id. at 18:17-22. Nevertheless, Prieto passed by the guard shack without attempting to open the door or window, and entered a courtyard area. See PAMF's 65-66.
In the courtyard, Prieto passed several doors without trying to enter, including some that had people standing behind them. See PAMF 71. Prieto stopped at a set of double doors, which led to an employee break room.
In the Foster Farms reception area, receptionist Claudia Ramos heard someone yell "lock the doors," and she looked out the window towards the courtyard and saw a man enter the courtyard through the gate while being pursued by other men with guns. See Ramos Depo. 10:10-16, 12:3-13:25. Ramos later recognized Prieto as a former Foster Farms employee. See id. at 14:12-16. Ramos held the doors closed with the help of other employees, including Marty Weakley. See Ramos Depo. 33:16-24; Weakley Depo. 21:16-25. Weakley heard Prieto ignore multiple commands to stop, and was holding the door shut because, in his words, there were women in the reception area. See Weakley Depo. 21:16-23:12. Ramos testified that she kept holding the doors shut, even when she knew it was Prieto, because of the way Prieto looked and because of the officers' pursuit. See Ramos Depo. 34:1-35:24. Ramos and Weakley saw Prieto make his way to the double doors of the break room. See Ramos Depo. 14:17-15:7; Weakley Depo. 20:23-21:2. Weakley thought that Prieto was staggering and did not look coherent. See Weakley Depo. 19:25-20:4, 21:10-12. Ramos testified that Prieto did not look angry, but looked unstable and had an expression that she had never seen before.
At the double doors, the officers surrounded Prieto in a semi-circle. See Lightfoot Depo. 19:2-9. Hall, Benas, and Contreras could see people behind the double doors, but Craig, Dowling, and Carrillo did not see anyone through the tint of the double doors.
Ramos (who was in the reception area) testified that Prieto did not get close enough to open the double doors, but Prieto was reaching for the door. See Ramos Depo. 22:8-15. However, other witnesses, such as Weakley (who was also in the reception area) and Carrillo testified that Prieto reached for the door handle, and the door jiggled or rattled, but did not open. See PAMF 93; see also Benas Depo. 48:8-18 (Prieto touched and moved the door); Contreras Depo. 85:22-86:4 (Prieto touched and moved the door); Craig Depo. 29:9-19 (Prieto touched and moved the door); Hall Depo. 80:9-13 (Prieto started to pull the doors open); Linley Depo. 19:25-20:7 (Prieto grabbed the handle, but cannot recall if the door ever opened).
When Prieto was near the door and began reaching for the handle, Craig and other officers came up behind Prieto, and Craig announced, "bean bag, bean bag, bean bag." See Craig Depo. 28:1-8. Prieto was just over an arm's reach from the door handle. See id. Yelling "bean bag" communicated to other officers that Craig was about to discharge his bean bag shotgun. See PAMF 82. Lightfoot (who was a few feet away from Dowling) and Benas heard Craig yell "bean bag," and Benas also began to yell "bean bag." See PAMF's 85, 86. The officers around Craig made a subtle movement and provided Craig with a clear line of site to Prieto. See Craig Depo. 28:25-29:8. However, Hall and Dowling did not hear anyone yell "bean bag," and Contreras has no recollection of hearing anyone yell "bean bag." See Contreras Depo. 86:25-87:2; Dowling Depo. 27:2-4; Hall Depo. 73:8-12. Also, about at this time, officer Joshua Maniss and his K-9 unit arrived and took a position about 7 to 8 feet from Prieto. See Maniss Depo. 10:19-22.
According to Craig, once Prieto touched the door handle, Craig fired the bean bag shotgun. See Craig 28:5-17.
The precise sequence of the shots is unknown. The sound of the bean bag shotgun is much louder and much more distinct than a handgun. PAMF 113. While Craig was firing the bean bag shotgun, he did not hear other shots being fired, and did not hear shots in the courtyard prior to his firing the bean bag shotgun. See Craig Depo. 33:12-22, 43:12-15. Contreras has no understanding of whether the handguns or the bean bag shotgun was fired first. See Contreras 85:1-4. In fact, Contreras testified that he did not know that Craig had fired the bean bag shotgun until after the incident. See id. at 80:21-81:4.
Foster Farms employee Marty Weakley testified that he heard two sequences of shots—one volley was fired, which caused Prieto to turn, and a second volley was fired after Prieto tried to get through the door a second time. See Weakley Depo. 27:4-31:4, 35:15-36:1. Weakley saw the bean bags land on the ground during the first volley, and assumed that no handguns were fired because Prieto seemed unaffected by that volley.
At the time the shots were fired, Maniss had been in position with his K-9 unit for about 3 to 5 seconds. See Maniss Depo. 18:17-21, 20:4-10. Maniss's dog was barking and focused on Prieto. See PAMF 88. However, Maniss did not believe that deployment of the dog was appropriate due to the close proximity of the other officers. See Maniss Depo. 15:17-16:1.
Additionally, at the time of the shots, Prieto was never able to open the double doors and never had any part of his body inside the double doors. See PAMF's 96-97. Prieto never acknowledged or responded to the officers' commands. PAMF 128. Prieto never verbally threatened anyone at the scene, and there was no information that Prieto had injured anyone other than himself. See PAMF's 130-131. Prieto did not make an aggressive move towards the officers at the time of these shots. See PAMF 38; Footnote 5 supra. At the time shots were fired, Prieto was holding the screwdriver in his hand, but was not doing anything with it. See PAMF 94. Also at the time these shots were fired, Contreras believed that Prieto was a threat to the people in the break room because Prieto "was already homicide
Summary judgment is appropriate when it is demonstrated that there exists no genuine issue as to any material fact, and that the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(c); Adickes v. S.H. Kress & Co., 398 U.S. 144, 157, 90 S.Ct. 1598, 26 L.Ed.2d 142 (1970); Fortyune v. American Multi-Cinema, Inc., 364 F.3d 1075, 1080 (9th Cir.2004). The party seeking summary judgment bears the initial burden of informing the court of the basis for its motion and of identifying the portions of the declarations (if any), pleadings, and discovery that demonstrate an absence of a genuine issue of material fact. Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 323, 106 S.Ct. 2548, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986); Soremekun v. Thrifty Payless, Inc., 509 F.3d 978, 984 (9th Cir.2007). A fact is "material" if it might affect the outcome of the suit under the governing law. See Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248-49, 106 S.Ct. 2505, 91 L.Ed.2d 202 (1986); United States v. Kapp, 564 F.3d 1103, 1114 (9th Cir.2009). A dispute is "genuine" as to a material fact if there is sufficient evidence for a reasonable jury to return a verdict for the non-moving party. Anderson, 477 U.S. at 248, 106 S.Ct. 2505; FreecycleSunnyvale v. Freecycle Network, 626 F.3d 509, 514 (9th Cir.2010).
Where the moving party will have the burden of proof on an issue at trial, the movant must affirmatively demonstrate that no reasonable trier of fact could find other than for the movant. Soremekun, 509 F.3d at 984. Where the non-moving party will have the burden of proof on an issue at trial, the movant may prevail by presenting evidence that negates an essential element of the non-moving party's claim or by merely pointing out that there is an absence of evidence to support an essential element of the non-moving party's claim. See James River Ins. Co. v. Schenk, P.C., 523 F.3d 915, 923 (9th Cir. 2008); Soremekun, 509 F.3d at 984; Nissan Fire & Marine Ins. Co. v. Fritz Cos., 210 F.3d 1099, 1105-06 (9th Cir.2000). If a moving party fails to carry its burden of production, then "the non-moving party has no obligation to produce anything, even if the non-moving party would have the ultimate burden of persuasion." Nissan Fire, 210 F.3d at 1102-03. If the moving party meets its initial burden, the burden then shifts to the opposing party to establish that a genuine issue as to any material fact actually exists. See Matsushita Elec. Indus. Co. v. Zenith Radio Corp., 475 U.S. 574, 586, 106 S.Ct. 1348, 89 L.Ed.2d 538 (1986); Nissan Fire, 210 F.3d at 1103. The opposing party cannot "`rest upon the mere allegations or denials of [its] pleading' but must instead produce evidence that `sets forth specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial.'" Estate of Tucker v. Interscope Records, 515 F.3d 1019, 1030 (9th Cir.2008) (quoting Fed. R. Civ. Pro. 56(e)).
The opposing party's evidence is to be believed, and all reasonable inferences that may be drawn from the facts placed before the court must be drawn in favor of the opposing party. See Anderson, 477 U.S. at 255, 106 S.Ct. 2505; Matsushita, 475 U.S. at 587, 106 S.Ct. 1348; Stegall v. Citadel Broad. Co., 350 F.3d 1061, 1065 (9th Cir.2003). Nevertheless, inferences are not drawn out of the air, and it is the opposing party's obligation to produce a factual predicate from which the inference
Hall and Dowling argue that they used objectively reasonable force. Prieto had endangered Contreras and other motorists and had lunged at Contreras with a screwdriver. Prieto defied commands, and instead told officers to shoot him. Prieto stabbed himself multiple times in the neck, and was under the influence of methamphetamine. Prieto advanced on Hall and the entry to Foster Farms with a weapon in hand. Despite being shot one time, Prieto continued going and advanced to a set of doors that lead to a break room and Foster Farms employees. Prieto continued to disobey commands, and attempted to open the doors before being shot. It was Prieto's decisions, and no one else's, that caused the use of force. Prieto had every opportunity to stop and avoid the shooting, but he did not stop. Further, Foster Farms employees were afraid, even when they realized Prieto was a former employee. While other force options may have been available, the exigency of Prieto attempting to enter the break room where employees were located outweighed trying to use other force options.
Plaintiffs argue that the facts are profoundly disputed. The evidence indicates that Prieto did not pose an immediate threat of death or serious injury to Hall during the first shot or to any third parties during the other shots. A jury could conclude Prieto was simply walking away from the officers injuring himself with the screwdriver, and he never threatened or charged anyone at the time of Hall's first shot. Likewise, a jury could conclude that the fatal gun shots by Dowling and Hall were fired after Prieto had been incapacitated by several bean bag projectiles and he had slumped to the ground. Potential threats to occupants of the break room is too speculative and contradicted by the record.
In terms of specific factors and considerations, the force used was the greatest
With respect to qualified immunity, the evidence demonstrates a Fourth Amendment violation. The evidence also shows that it would have been clear to a reasonable officer that it was unconstitutional to shoot to kill a person who was suffering from a mental illness and engaging in self-harming behavior with a screwdriver, but not threatening the officers with a weapon. This is true of Hall's first gun shot, as well as the subsequent gun shots.
All claims that law enforcement officers used excessive force, either deadly or non-deadly, in the course of an arrest, investigatory stop, or other seizure of a citizen are to be analyzed under the Fourth Amendment and its standard of objective reasonableness. See Scott v. Harris, 550 U.S. 372, 381-83, 127 S.Ct. 1769, 167 L.Ed.2d 686 (2007); Graham v. Connor, 490 U.S. 386, 395, 109 S.Ct. 1865, 104 L.Ed.2d 443 (1989). Cases that involve deadly force do not fit into their own separate category with their own set of "rigid pre-conditions" that must be met, rather the key is whether the officer's actions were reasonable. See Scott, 550 U.S. at 382-83, 127 S.Ct. 1769; Price v. Sery, 513 F.3d 962, 968 (9th Cir.2008). The pertinent question in excessive force cases is whether the use of force was "objectively reasonable in light of the facts and circumstances confronting [the officers], without regard to their underlying intent or motivation." Graham, 490 U.S. at 397, 109 S.Ct. 1865; Blankenhorn v. City of Orange, 485 F.3d 463, 477 (9th Cir.2007). The objective inquiry into reasonableness is highly fact specific. See Scott, 550 U.S. at 383, 127 S.Ct. 1769; Wilkinson v. Torres, 610 F.3d 546, 551 (9th Cir.2010). "We first assess the quantum of force used to arrest [the plaintiff]"
Qualified immunity protects "government officials ... from liability for civil damages insofar as their conduct does not violate clearly established statutory or constitutional rights of which a reasonable person would have known." Harlow v. Fitzgerald, 457 U.S. 800, 818, 102 S.Ct. 2727, 73 L.Ed.2d 396 (1982); Phillips v. Hust, 477 F.3d 1070, 1079 (9th Cir.2007); Brittain v. Hansen, 451 F.3d 982, 987 (9th Cir.2006). The "concern of the immunity inquiry is to acknowledge that reasonable mistakes can be made," and that it is "often difficult for an officer to determine how the relevant legal doctrine will apply to the factual situation that he faces." Estate of Ford v. Ramirez-Palmer, 301 F.3d 1043, 1049 (9th Cir.2002).
A court employs a tiered analysis for determining qualified immunity. See Saucier v. Katz, 533 U.S. 194, 200-02, 121 S.Ct. 2151, 150 L.Ed.2d 272 (2001); Skoog v. County of Clackamas, 469 F.3d 1221, 1229 (9th Cir.2006); Brittain, 451 F.3d at 987. However, lower courts need not strictly follow the tiered sequence in analyzing qualified immunity, but instead may dispose of the issue at step two without addressing step one. Pearson v. Callahan, 555 U.S. 223, 129 S.Ct. 808, 821, 172 L.Ed.2d 565 (2009); Moss v. United States
Under the second step, the court determines "whether the right was clearly established," and applies an "objective but fact-specific inquiry." Inouye v. Kemna, 504 F.3d 705, 712 (9th Cir.2007); see Saucier, 533 U.S. at 202, 121 S.Ct. 2151; Brittain, 451 F.3d at 988. The second step is a question of law. See Dunn, 621 F.3d at 1199; Tortu, 556 F.3d at 1085. The critical question is whether "the contours of the right were sufficiently clear that a reasonable official would understand that what he is doing violates the right." Saucier, 533 U.S. at 202, 121 S.Ct. 2151; Phillips, 477 F.3d at 1079. Whether a right is clearly established must be "undertaken in light of the specific context of the case, not as a broad general proposition." Saucier, 533 U.S. at 201, 121 S.Ct. 2151; Skoog, 469 F.3d at 1229-30. In making this determination, the court considers the state of the law at the time of the alleged violation, but it is unnecessary for the precise conduct in question to have been previously held unlawful. See Inouye, 504 F.3d at 712; Devereaux v. Perez, 218 F.3d 1045, 1052 (9th Cir.2000). Further, the court considers the "information possessed" by the officer at the time of his conduct. See Hunter v. Bryant, 502 U.S. 224, 227, 112 S.Ct. 534, 116 L.Ed.2d 589 (1991); Anderson v. Creighton, 483 U.S. 635, 641, 107 S.Ct. 3034, 97 L.Ed.2d 523 (1987); Edgerly v. City & County of San Francisco, 495 F.3d 645, 654 (9th Cir. 2007). If the officer could have reasonably, but mistakenly, believed that his conduct did not violate a clearly established constitutional right, then the officer will receive qualified immunity. See Saucier, 533 U.S. at 205-06, 121 S.Ct. 2151; Skoog, 469 F.3d at 1229; Jackson v. City of Bremerton, 268 F.3d 646, 651 (9th Cir. 2001). As a wholly objective inquiry, see Brittain, 451 F.3d at 988, the "`subjective beliefs' of the actual officer are ... irrelevant." Inouye, 504 F.3d at 712; see Anderson, 483 U.S. at 641, 107 S.Ct. 3034. Thus, qualified immunity applies "if `a reasonable officer could have believed [the action] to be lawful, in light of clearly established law and the information the... officer[] possessed.'" Lawrence v. United States, 340 F.3d 952, 956-57 (9th Cir.2003); see also Hunter, 502 U.S. at 227, 112 S.Ct. 534. Whether the law was "clearly established" and whether an officer could have a reasonable, albeit mistaken, belief that his conduct was lawful are questions of law for the court to decide on summary judgment when the pertinent material facts are undisputed. See Franklin v. Fox, 312 F.3d 423, 437 (9th Cir. 2002); LaLonde v. County of Riverside, 204 F.3d 947, 953-954 (9th Cir.2000); Act Up!/Portland v. Bagley, 988 F.2d 868, 873 (9th Cir.1993).
As indicated above, the Court must examine not only certain enumerated considerations, but also any other pertinent
First, the use of force identified by Plaintiffs is the first gun shot fired by Hall prior to Prieto entering the courtyard. There is no dispute that this quantum of force is very significant. It is in fact deadly force, although this shot did not kill Prieto.
Second, at the time Hall fired the shot, there was at least one felony involved. Based on Prieto coming at Contreras with the screwdriver, California Penal Code § 245(d), assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, was clearly involved.
Third, in terms of the threat posed by Prieto, Hall testified that Prieto was not running at him when he fired the shot, and Prieto was 8 to 10 feet away from Hall. See Hall Depo. 45:16-55:17; DUMF 13. However, Hall was aware that Prieto had charged at Contreras with the screwdriver. See DUMF 7; Contreras Depo. 42:25-43:4; Hall Depo. 31:19-23. Further, Hall testified that Prieto's body had twisted and it looked like he was about to charge Hall. See Hall Depo. 49:4-14, 55:10-17. When Hall fired the shot, he did so because Prieto had advanced on Hall with the screwdriver raised. See id.; Benas Depo. 32:25-34:12. Lightfoot confirmed that Prieto had turned towards Hall. See Lightfoot Depo. 15:7-16:10. Prieto had stabbed himself in the neck with the screwdriver. See Hall Depo. 49:4-14; Benas Depo. 32:25-34:12. Both Hall and Lightfoot believed that Prieto posed a threat to Hall when Hall fired the shot. See Hall Depo. 49:4-14, 54:5-12; Lightfoot Depo. 16:3-10. Hall was positioned in front of an entrance that led into the Foster Farms facility. See Hall Depo. 36:19-37:7. Hall believed that if Prieto got through him and entered through the doors, Prieto would be a threat to those inside. See id.
Fourth, Prieto was either resisting or actively evading the officers. The officers were giving continuous commands to Prieto
Fifth, it does not appear that Hall warned Prieto that he would shoot if Prieto did not stop. It is not clear how practical a warning would have been. Nevertheless, it is significant that Prieto had ignored the constant warnings up until this point, and that Prieto had told the officers that they would have to shoot him. See Hall Depo. 32:7-33:3, 52:4-9.
Sixth, Prieto appeared to be either "crazy" or under the influence of drugs. In fact, he was under the influence of drugs. As just noted, Prieto told the officers that they would have to shoot him, and after Prieto said that, he began stabbing himself in the neck with the screwdriver. See Hall Depo. 32:7-33:3, 52:4-9. Prieto clearly was not in a normal frame of mind.
Seventh, it is unknown what alternative, less lethal means were available to Hall at this time. While Hall radioed for a Taser weapon, there is no indication that a Taser was ever present. Further, while it is possible that Hall could have moved out of Prieto's way, Hall was behind an entrance that would have provided a means for Prieto to enter the Foster Farms plant.
Eighth, Prieto bears considerable responsibility for this shot being fired. At any point up to the shooting, if Prieto had simply not advanced on Hall, or more importantly if he would have only obeyed any of the numerous commands and actually stopped and dropped the screwdriver, the shot would not have been fired.
Under the totality of the circumstances, Hall did not violate the Fourth Amendment. As mentioned above, a serious and violent felony offense was at issue, as well as significant misdemeanors. Prieto was not responding to any requests to stop and to drop his weapon. Prieto had already used the screwdriver in an attempt to stab Contreras, and Prieto had actually stabbed himself in the neck with the screwdriver. Prieto's conduct was dangerous, and although it appeared that Prieto was mentally impaired, that impairment (which was due to methamphetamine) added to the danger of the situation in that Prieto was refusing to obey commands, and had acted in a violent and destructive manner in response to commands. While Plaintiffs contend that Prieto made no aggressive movements towards Hall, the evidence does not support the assertion. As discussed above, Linley neither saw nor heard the shot fired by Hall, and had momentarily turned away from the scene. As such it is not reasonable to assume that Linley observed the incident with Prieto at this relevant stage. On the other hand, both Hall and Lightfoot saw Prieto's conduct, Prieto still had the screwdriver, and Prieto was coming towards Hall with the screwdriver raised. Both of these officers believed that Prieto posed a threat to Hall. Given Prieto's behavior, the evidence supports this conclusion. It is true that Prieto was 8 to 10 feet away from Hall. However, Hall's back was to an entrance of the plant, and a distance of 8 to 10 feet can be traversed quickly. There is no dispute that there were people in the Foster Farms plant at this time, nor is there any evidence to suggest that Hall's concern about Prieto entering the plant was fanciful or unreasonable. This incident occurred during working hours, and Prieto's behavior clearly supports a reasonable and legitimate concern for the safety of those in the plant. Cf. Elliott v. Leavitt, 99 F.3d 640, 644 (4th Cir.1996) ("[T]he Fourth Amendment does not require omniscience. Before employing deadly force, police must have sound reason to believe that the suspect poses a serious threat to their safety
Under the totality of these circumstances, Hall did not violate the Fourth Amendment when he fired this gun shot. See Graham, 490 U.S. at 396-97, 109 S.Ct. 1865; Wilkinson, 610 F.3d at 551-53; Elliott, 99 F.3d at 644.
Again, just as it did above, the Court must examine various enumerated considerations as well as any other pertinent consideration that is part of the totality of the circumstances.
First, the additional uses of force identified by Plaintiffs are the gunshots fired by Hall and Dowling. Firing a handgun is a significant quantum of force that constitutes deadly forces. A significant justification is necessary for the firing of a firearm.
Second, the crimes involved remained the same from the time of the first shot. The facts indicated that the serious and violent felony of assaulting a police officer with a deadly weapon (Penal Code § 245(d)), as well as the misdemeanors of willful resistance or obstruction (Penal Code § 148(a)(1)) and reckless driving (Vehicle Code § 23103), were at issue. As discussed above, the manner in which Prieto committed these misdemeanor offenses increases their severity and the government's interest in stopping Prieto.
Third, in terms of the threat posed by Prieto, Prieto did not make any aggressive moves towards the officers at this time, the officers had formed a semi-circle around Prieto, Prieto did not say anything to the officers, and Prieto did not brandish the screwdriver at the officers. As such, Prieto did not pose an imminent threat to the officers at the time of the fatal shots. In terms of the threat to those in the plant, there were individuals in the break room and Prieto was in front of the break room doors. Ramos and Linley testified that the doors would not have been locked. Hall, Contreras, and Benas saw employees (though no one specific) in the break room area, and further investigation confirmed that employees were present at that time. See Benas Depo. 42:4-44:8; Carrillo Depo. 18:18-22; Contreras Depo. 65:5-66:25; Hall Depo. 77:1-17. Prieto was still armed with the screwdriver. PAMF 94. Importantly, Prieto was attempting to gain access into the plant/break room. Plaintiffs acknowledge that witnesses vary regarding whether Prieto had actually touched the handle. Of the evidence cited to the Court, the only witness who testified that Prieto did not actually touch the handle was Ramos, but even she testified that Prieto was at least reaching for the door handle.
Fourth, Prieto was either resisting or actively evading the officers. Prieto never obeyed the constant commands of the officers to "stop." Prieto kept moving, and was attempting to enter the double doors into the plant/break room area when the shots were fired. See Craig Depo. 28:5-17; Hall Depo. 79:24-80:18.
Fifth, with respect to warnings, the officers testified that they warned Prieto to stop, to drop the screwdriver, and to not go inside the plant. See Hall Depo. 80:3-4; Contreras Depo. 91:10-18; Maniss Depo. 17:12-18. Further, Linley testified that he heard an officer warn Prieto to "not go in there" or that the officers would shoot. See DUMF 16. Plaintiffs contend that none of the officers warned Prieto that shots would be fired. See PAMF 123. However, the broad proposition that "none of the officers warned" is not supported by the cited evidence. It is true that the testimonies of Hall, Dowling, and Contreras indicate that those officers did not warn Prieto that shots would be fired, and Carrillo testified that he simply did not hear such a warning. However, Plaintiffs do not account for officers Lightfoot, Benas, Craig, or Maniss. These officers were at the scene, yet there is no evidence cited regarding what commands they may have issued to Prieto. That one officer may not have heard the warning, and other officers themselves did not give the warning, does not mean that the warning was not given by another officer. Hall, Contreras, Carrillo, and Dowling's respective testimonies do not contradict Linley.
Sixth, as Prieto walked passed the guard shack, he looked extremely angry and "out of his mind," and Linley felt "real fear" for anyone who came into contact with Prieto. See Linley Depo. 18:6-22. Ramos testified that, although Prieto did not have his normal look of anger, Prieto looked unstable and she was afraid of him. See Ramos Depo. 33:3-34:20. Other officers described Prieto as "out of it" or "in a daze" or like he was on drugs. Further, Prieto had continued to stab himself with the screwdriver after he was shot by Hall with the prior single shot. See PAMF 41. It is clear that Prieto's state of mind remained abnormal.
Seventh, there were less lethal options on-scene. Although the Taser weapon apparently never arrived, Craig was present with his bean bag shotgun, and Maniss was present with a K-9 unit. However, Maniss testified that using the K-9 unit was not a viable option because of the close proximity of the other officers. See Maniss Depo. 15:17-16:1. There is no evidence to contradict this assessment. As such, the Court can only conclude that use of the K-9 was not a viable option.
Eighth, Prieto again bears significant responsibility for this shooting. The evidence is uncontradicted that no shots of any kind were fired until Prieto attempted to enter the plant (either by reaching for the doors according to Ramos, or by actually touching the doors according to every other witness). Prieto was warned numerous times to stop, to drop the weapon, and to not enter the plant. Again, if Prieto had obeyed any of those commands, especially
Additionally, in connection with Plaintiffs' concerns regarding a warning, Plaintiffs point out that Contreras, Dowling, and Hall were in "plain clothes." See PAMF's 26-28. However, Contreras utilized the lights and siren of his car when he pursued Prieto's vehicle, and Prieto later came at Contreras with the screwdriver. See Contreras Depo. 21:5-15, 24:6-26:14. Further, prior to the single shot fired by Hall, Hall yelled that he was the police. See Hall Depo. 33:17-34:3, 36:8-11. Also, it does not appear that Craig was in plain clothes. Finally, Linley testified that it was "pretty apparent" that the officers involved were the police, and there was no doubt in his mind of that fact. See Linley Depo. 12:17-13:1.
Under the totality of the circumstances, there is no Fourth Amendment violation. As explained above, a serious and violent felony, as well as significant misdemeanors, were involved. As he had done previously, Prieto refused to obey or comply with any of the commands that the officers gave. This includes a warning that Prieto would be shot if he entered the double doors.
In terms of less lethal options, Craig deployed his bean bag shotgun against Prieto. Plaintiffs contend that the bean bag actually caused Prieto to slump over and to "give up," thereby making the additional use of the handguns unnecessary and unreasonable.
Finally, Plaintiffs argue in part that the downward angle of some of the bullet wounds indicate that Prieto was down, and therefore no longer a danger. The evidence is unclear at exactly what point in time Prieto dropped. Craig believed that Prieto went down just after the fourth bean bag round, and Contreras testified that Prieto went down sometime during the gun shots. See Craig Depo. 42:4-11; Contreras Depo. 103:18-23; PAMF 116. Craig and Hall both testified that they fired in quick or rapid succession. See PAMF 98; Hall Depo. 92:7-9. Dowling testified that he fired because he did not believe that Hall's shots were effective, and only fired one time because as he fired, Prieto was dropping. See Dowling Depo. 23:9-23, 25:10-16. Dowling and Craig also testified that the fatal shooting happened very quickly. See Dowling Depo. 34:23-24; Craig Depo. 42:4-11; see also Contreras Depo. 103:5-9 (when asked whether shooting was justified, answering "you're talking a matter of split seconds... it was dependent on [Prieto] entering that break room ...."). Additionally, Craig testified that when Prieto dropped, he did not drop quickly, but instead Prieto just started to slump down. See Craig Depo. 42:4-11. Contreras indicated that he saw Prieto drop "almost instantly" once Contreras noticed blood from the shots on Prieto. See Contreras Depo. 92:16-19. Under the facts identified, this was clearly a quickly evolving situation. It appears that multiple shots were fired because the first shot(s) were not effective, and it appears that all shots were fired in rapid succession in order to stop Prieto from entering the plant/break room. That is, the shots were fired to end the threat posed by Prieto and his attempt(s) to enter the plant/break room area. The evidence does not suggest mindless shooting. In this quickly evolving situation, that some of the shots may have hit Prieto as he was slumping or had dropped is not sufficient to show excessive force. Cf. Wilkinson, 610 F.3d at 552-53 (rejecting under the facts of the case a rule that officers are required to reevaluate after each shot whether a threat has been eliminated); Elliott, 99 F.3d at 643 (concluding that
Under the totality of these circumstances, Hall and Dowling did not violate the Fourth Amendment when they fired these shots. See Graham, 490 U.S. at 396-97, 109 S.Ct. 1865; Wilkinson, 610 F.3d at 551-53; Elliott, 99 F.3d at 643-44.
Alternatively, the Court believes that qualified immunity is appropriate. Plaintiffs contend that qualified immunity is improper because it would be clear to a reasonable officer that it is unconstitutional to shoot to kill a person who is suffering from a mental illness and engaging in self-harming behavior with a screwdriver, but not threatening the officers. However, Plaintiffs' characterization of what occurred in this case is unsupported and unreasonable. Cf. Wilkinson, 610 F.3d at 551, 553.
Prieto's conduct was not simply self-destructive. He had driven the wrong direction towards on coming traffic at a high speed, and he had charged or come at Contreras with the screwdriver. That is, Prieto had attempted to stab Contreras. Prieto never obeyed any command, including commands to stop, but instead kept going, told the officers that they would have to kill him, and then stabbed himself in the neck. When Hall fired the first shot, it is not genuinely disputed that Prieto was advancing on Hall. Hall was concerned for his safety and the safety of those in the plant because Hall was standing in front of an entrance. Lightfoot confirmed the threat posed to Hall. Further, after Hall fired the shot and Prieto made his way to the courtyard and the double doors, Linley, Ramos, and Weakley were all afraid of Prieto and what Prieto might do to those in the plant. Prieto ignored commands, including a command to not enter the double doors, and attempted to enter the plant/break room area. There is no genuine dispute that there were people behind the double doors in the break room, and Hall knew this. From the moment Prieto exited his vehicle to the moment that the last shot was fired, Prieto was armed with the screwdriver. Prieto's behavior was erratic, unstable, unpredictable, and dangerous. Both the police and the civilian witnesses were fearful and recognized the clear and present danger that Prieto posed to the employees in the plant/break room area.
In light of these facts, it would not be clear to a reasonable officer in Dowling's position and in Hall's position (at both times when Hall fired) that the shots fired would violate the Fourth Amendment. Saucier, 533 U.S. at 201-06, 121 S.Ct. 2151; Skoog, 469 F.3d at 1229-30; Lawrence, 340 F.3d at 956-57. As such, qualified immunity for Dowling and Hall is appropriate. See id.
Defendants have not expressly moved for summary judgment on the Fourteenth Amendment claim. Nevertheless, Plaintiffs' Fourteenth Amendment claim is predicated on Prieto's death through the allegedly "unjustified shooting" by Hall and Dowling. See SAC ¶¶ 31, 34-35. In light of the finding that Hall and Dowling did not violate the Fourth Amendment when they shot Prieto, there is no Fourteenth Amendment violation. Where a claim for interference with familial relationships is integrally predicated upon, or entwined with, other conduct that is alleged to be unconstitutional, a finding
Plaintiffs state that they do not oppose summary judgment/dismissal of their Monell claims. See Opposition at 1:19. In light of Plaintiffs' express non-opposition, the Court will grant summary judgment on this claim.
Defendants argue that the battery and negligence claims are the mirror image of the excessive force claim. California courts analyze battery claims against police officers under the same reasonableness standards of the Fourth Amendment. For the same reasons that summary judgment was appropriate with regard to excessive force, so too is it appropriate with respect to the state law claims. Additionally, in reply, Defendants point out that California appellate courts have rejected negligence claims against the police based on the officers' tactical decisions.
Plaintiffs argue that summary judgment as to the battery claim is inappropriate for the same reasons that summary judgment on the excessive force claim is inappropriate. Also, with respect to negligence, Plaintiffs argue that the Ninth Circuit has reaffirmed the viability of state law negligence claims against police officers based on pre-shooting tactics. Although the Ninth Circuit did not expressly state the duty, it is the ordinary duty of care. Here, the negligent conduct that precipitated the use of deadly force "includes but is not limited to"—(1) not verbally identifying themselves as police officers while in plain clothes and pointing guns at Prieto, (2) cornering Prieto into locations where deadly force was used allegedly because of the path that Prieto took, (3) not warning Prieto that he would be shot if he did not comply, (4) not waiting for less lethal force to arrive and/or be effective, (5) and not properly communicating regarding the availability of less lethal options.
Battery is a state law tort counterpart to a 42 U.S.C. § 1983 excessive force claim. See Sanders, 551 F.Supp.2d at 1179; Munoz v. City of Union City, 120 Cal.App.4th 1077, 1102 n. 6, 16 Cal.Rptr.3d 521 (2004); Susag v. City of Lake Forest, 94 Cal.App.4th 1401, 1412-13, 115 Cal.Rptr.2d 269(2002); Edson v. City of Anaheim, 63 Cal.App.4th 1269, 1274, 74 Cal.Rptr.2d 614 (1998). Because the Court has found no Fourth Amendment violation, summary judgment in favor of Defendants on Plaintiffs' state counterpart cause of action for battery is appropriate.
As an initial matter, Plaintiffs' citation to Hayes v. County of San Diego, 638 F.3d 688 (9th Cir.2011), is no longer proper. After this motion was taken under submission, the Ninth Circuit withdrew its Hayes opinion, certified a question to the California Supreme Court regarding the viability of negligence claims against police officers, stayed the case, and maintained jurisdiction over the appeal. See Hayes v. County of San Diego, 658 F.3d 867, 2011 WL 2315191, 2011 U.S.App. LEXIS 11987 (9th Cir. June 14, 2011). Accordingly, the first Hayes opinion does not control resolution of this cause of action.
Two California appellate courts have held that the type of pre-shooting negligence claim alleged by Plaintiffs is precluded because no duty is owed by the police. See Munoz v. City of Union City, 120 Cal.App.4th 1077, 16 Cal.Rptr.3d 521 (2004); Adams v. City of Fremont, 68 Cal.App.4th 243, 80 Cal.Rptr.2d 196 (1999). However, the Ninth Circuit's subsequent Hayes certification opinion casts some doubt as to whether the California Supreme Court would agree with Munoz and Adams. See Hayes, 658 F.3d 867, 2011 WL 2315191, 2011 U.S.App. LEXIS 11987. In light of the Hayes certification opinion, the Court will assume without deciding that Hall and Dowling owed Prieto a duty to use due care with respect to their preshooting tactics.
The elements of actionable negligence are: (1) a legal duty to use due care; (2) a breach of that duty; (3) causation; and (4) damages. See Ladd v. County of San Mateo, 12 Cal.4th 913, 917, 50 Cal.Rptr.2d 309, 911 P.2d 496 (1996); Brown v. Ransweiler, 171 Cal.App.4th 516, 534, 89 Cal.Rptr.3d 801 (2009). Ordinarily, the issues of breach and causation are questions of fact for the jury. See Lindstrom v. Hertz Corp., 81 Cal.App.4th 644, 652, 96 Cal.Rptr.2d 874 (2000). However, in an appropriate case in which there is insufficient evidence, a defendant's lack of negligence may be determined on summary judgment. See Brown, 171 Cal. App.4th at 535-38, 89 Cal.Rptr.3d 801; Lindstrom, 81 Cal.App.4th at 652, 96 Cal.Rptr.2d 874. Plaintiffs have identified five
First, Plaintiffs contend that Hall and Dowling were negligent in not verbally identifying themselves as police officers. However, as noted above, prior to the very first shot, Hall yelled "police" twice while he was ordering Prieto to stop. Further, Contreras had utilized the lights and siren on his car as he followed and confronted Prieto. Finally, Linley stated that it was "pretty apparent" that the individuals following Prieto were police officers, and he had no doubts as to this fact. The evidence does not support actionable negligence under this theory.
Second, Plaintiffs contend that Hall and Dowling cornered Prieto into places where deadly force would have to be used. However, there is insufficient evidence that Hall and Dowling cornered Prieto into improper locations, or that Hall and Dowling's movements were negligent or a breach of proper police protocol. Moreover, the location itself did not require the use of deadly force. Instead, Prieto's continuous refusal to follow lawful and proper commands to stop, as well as his attempted entrance into the plant/break room area, is what necessitated the use of deadly force. The evidence does not support actionable negligence under this theory.
Third, Plaintiffs contend that Hall and Dowling were negligent in failing to warn Prieto that he would be shot if he did not comply. However, as explained above, while neither Hall nor Dowling so warned Prieto, some officer did warn Prieto not to go into the plant or else the officers would shoot. Thus, Prieto was warned. Alternatively, and also as explained above, at no point in the entire encounter with Prieto, beginning from the exit from his automobile, did Prieto comply with any command given by any officer. Instead, Prieto came at Contreras with the screwdriver, kept moving, said the officers would have to shoot him, and then stabbed himself in the neck. There is absolutely no indication that any additional warning that Prieto would be shot if he did not comply would have made any difference whatsoever. The evidence does not support actionable negligence under this theory.
Fourth, Plaintiffs contend that Hall and Dowling were negligent for failing to wait for less lethal force options to either arrive or be effective. However, the evidence establishes that Prieto was attempting to enter the plant/break room area at the time shots were fired. As discussed extensively above, Prieto's behavior showed that he represented a real and imminent threat to the employees. Given Prieto's behavior, it would not have been reasonable for the officers to wait and see whether Prieto could get in through the double doors. Use of deadly force at that point was reasonable as a matter of law, irrespective of less lethal options.
Fifth, Plaintiffs contend that Hall and Dowling were negligent for not properly communicating as to the availability of less lethal options. As the Court has explained, Prieto's conduct and attempts to enter the plant/break room area made him a real and imminent threat to those inside. The officers, as well as the Foster Farms employees, had real and legitimate fears about what Prieto would do if he managed to enter the plant. Because Prieto was at the doors and attempting to enter, use of
Because the evidence does not show that Hall and Dowling were negligent with respect to Prieto and their pre-shooting tactics, summary judgment on Plaintiffs' negligence claim is appropriate.
With respect to the Fourth Amendment claim against Hall for his initial single shot against Prieto, summary judgment is appropriate. The crimes involved, Prieto's failure to comply with commands, Prieto's behavior, Hall's position in front of an entrance, and Prieto's advancing on Hall with the screwdriver made Hall's single gun shot reasonable. Alternatively, the law was not so clearly established that, given the facts confronting Hall, a reasonable officer in his position would know that the single shot violated the Fourth Amendment.
With respect to the fatal shots by Hall and Dowling, summary judgment is appropriate. The crimes involved, Prieto's failure to comply with commands and warnings, Prieto's behavior, the presence of employees in the plant/break room area, Prieto's attempts to enter the double doors, and Prieto's possession of the screwdriver, made Hall's and Dowling's gun shots reasonable. Alternatively, the law was not so clearly established that, given the facts confronting Hall and Dowling, a reasonable officer in their position would know that the gun shots violated the Fourth Amendment.
With respect to the Fourteenth Amendment claim, summary judgment is appropriate. The Fourteenth Amendment and the Fourth Amendment claims are intertwined. The evidence shows reasonable conduct by the police, and does not indicate an intent to harm that is unrelated to legitimate law enforcement objectives.
With respect to the Monell claim, Plaintiffs have withdrawn this claim. Additionally, in the absence of a constitutional violation, there is no Monell liability. Therefore, summary judgment as to this claim is appropriate.
With respect to the state law battery claim, a battery claim is a state tort counterpart to a Fourth Amendment excessive force claim. Because there was no excessive force and the officers acted reasonably, there is no liability for state law battery. Therefore, summary judgment as to this claim is appropriate.
With respect to state law negligence for the officers' pre-shooting conduct, the Court assumes without deciding that Hall and Dowling owed Prieto a duty of due care regarding pre-shooting tactics. However,
Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Defendants' motion of summary judgment is GRANTED in favor of Defendants on all claims, and the Clerk shall CLOSE this case.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
