Armando Garcia-Muro died June 22, 2017 after he was shot by a ricocheting bullet when deputies fired on a charging pit bull that had bitten one deputy.
The officers involved in the shooting — Sergeant James Dillard and Deputy Victor Ekanem — were called out to an apartment complex in the 38500 block of 10th Street East in Palmdale by someone complaining of loud music. As they approached a carport area where Armando and others were sitting, the 73-pound pit bull bit a deputy as he reached down to pet the dog, according to their statements.
A resident sitting outside chained the dog up, but while deputies called for a supervisor and were walking back to take photos of the dog, the animal broke loose and charged at a deputy. The two officers fired on the dog.
Deputy Medical Examiner Lawrence Nguyen concluded that one of the bullets bounced off a hard surface and hit Armando, who was behind the pit bull.
Ballistics analysis found that five of the six shots fired were at the ground and the sixth was in an area away from where Armando was struck.
“The multitude of bullet fragments and the shrapnel wounds to (other deputies) are also consistent with rounds striking something hard in the vicinity of the dog attack,” the report concluded.
Armando’s aunt told CBS Los Angeles shortly after the shooting that her nephew was trying to save the dog.
“Put his life on the line for an animal that wasn’t even his,” the aunt said.
The teen’s mother, Roberta Alcantar, has filed a wrongful death suit, in part alleging that deputies delayed medical aid for her son while discussing how to explain the shooting.
Deputies told investigators they rendered first aid and called for paramedics. [Read the LADA report on the shooting here.]
Previous related stories:
Lawsuit filed in deputy-involved shooting that killed Palmdale teen
Deputy involved shooting in Palmdale
Laughing says
How LAPD handles a pit bite, “The two dogs were temporarily taken into the custody of L.A. Animal Services to be evaluated for any illnesses or diseases before being returned to their owner, police said.
No charges were filed as police believe there was no malicious intent and the dogs were just protecting their property, police said.”
Alexis says
Are those yellow things with numbers, all the bullets they fired?
Alby says
Thats fragments of the officers manhood that dropped to the floor when they decided to use guns on a dog. Thats why its yellow. Bunch of badge wearing cowards.
Alexis says
O.K., thank you. Sounds good to me.
sdoj says
I am a huge supporter of police but in this case there was due negligence and the family will win the civil suit.
1. Never go and just pet a dog especially a pit bull….You are taught to never underestimate any situation.
2.After officer was bit they should have waited for supervisor to come before trying to take pictures SAFELY at a distance(This infuriated the dog more)
3.Now dog is charging at them (All could have been avoided) Before firing a firearm you are always trained to look at line of sight and if the shot is safe (They could have tazed the dog and they should have had their taser at the ready in case dog did break chain in case this scenario happened) An officer was bit so what was the partner doing not having his taser at the ready…You would do this on any attack of an officer
c.r. says
and what would you do if ANY dog charged you after he had already bitten 1 person… broke through a leash and going after you..?
Ricochet says
“As they approached a carport area where Armando and others were sitting, the 73-pound pit bull bit a deputy as he reached down to pet the dog…”
Dumb.
“Armando’s aunt told CBS Los Angeles shortly after the shooting that her nephew was trying to save the dog.”
Dumber.
Tim Scott says
Think that a hail of bullets is an appropriate response to a dog.
Dumbest.
What’s next? Being allowed to shoot unarmed people with no consequences any time they mistakenly “fear for their life”?
Oh.
Wait.
Yeah, that’s normal “protecting and serving” nowadays.
trumpist#1 says
I love dogs (more than people, lol), but pit bulls are like MS13 gang members. Only insecure weenies that think they need a weapon for a pet would want to own one.
Just an accident waiting to happen. Didn’t Lancaster regulate pit bulls?
Alby says
Insecure weenies such as yourself would compare pitbulls to the idiotic ms13 turds. Unfortunately accidents like you already happened.
Millenial fom lancaster says
Lol. Good point