Photo: Brandon Bell/Getty Images
The family of Hispanic Jesús Antonio Rodríguez, 33, who was shot to death by Riverside County sheriffs when he had a mental health crisis, disapproved of Friday’s release of officers’ body camera videos of the shooting What happened on February 6 in Moreno Valley
“The relatives of Jesús Rodríguez are devastated by the recent release of body camera video related to his shooting death,” the attorney representing the Rodríguez family, Brian Dunn, said in a statement.
“The family believes that the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department’s attempt to position Mr. Rodriguez as a ‘suspect’ despite the fact that he had committed no crime and was simply experiencing a mental health crisis, is truly a self-serving effort. to justify the shooting,” added the lawyer.
Related: Riverside County Sheriff publishes video of the moment before the shooting in which a Hispanic with schizophrenia dies
On February 6, 2023, at approximately 12:31 pm, deputies responded to an address in the 25400 block of Filaree Avenue in Moreno Valley, for the 911 call from Jesús’s mother, who was under the influence of alcohol and possibly some drug, who was aggressive but had not hit anyone.
The mother commented that Jesus, who suffered from schizophrenia, was under the influence of alcohol and possibly some drug.
On the call, the Hispanic woman told the dispatcher that she had a “5150 son,” which refers to a law that allows a person with mental disorders is involuntarily detained for psychiatric evaluation if they are considered to pose a danger to themselves or others.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement that when deputies arrived at the home, the Hispanic man ran into his bedroom and yelled at them from the doorway.
Rodriguez was in the power of a spiked club at one of its ends.
According to authorities, the officers tried to control the situation, but Rodríguez continued to be aggressive and uncooperative. Sheriffs used a Taser twice, but it had no effect on the Hispanic, who appeared to be moving toward officers when he was shot..
Paramedics tried to give medical assistance to Jesús Rodríguez, but they determined that the Hispanic man had already died.
“What is most disappointing for the families of those struggling with mental health issues is the very real potential that simply calling 911 for assistance for loved ones now can lead to that person’s death at the hands of those they care about. who are calling for help,” said attorney Brian Dunn.
“This was a totally preventable shooting. If it weren’t for the sheriffs’ aggressive tactics and complete lack of understanding of how to approach those experiencing a mental health crisis, Mr. Rodriguez would be here today with his family,” he added.
Dunn advanced that there is an intention to seek justice for the Rodríguez family because they do not want other people to go through a similar situation.
The attorney found that the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department sheriffs they need to be trained to be aware of situations related to people suffering from a mental crisis.
The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office is leading the investigation into this fatal shooting.
Keep reading:
Riverside Hispanic Daycare Provider Arrested on Suspect of Child Sexual Abuse
Second Riverside Sheriff’s Deputy Killed While in the Line of Duty
· Latino Riverside County sheriff dies shot in a traffic stop by a criminal who was free due to failure of the prosecution