LAPD Officers Held Liable for Excessive Force, $11.8 Million Awarded to Injured Dodgers Fan
A jury in the US District Court for the Central District of California has awarded $11.8 million in damages to Isaac Castellanos, a man who claimed he was permanently blinded in his right eye after being struck by a projectile fired by Los Angeles Police Department officers. The incident occurred during a celebration of the Los Angeles Dodgers' 2020 World Series victory. Officers Cody MacArthur and Jesse Pineda were found liable for negligence and excessive force, violating Castellanos' civil rights. The city and the officers disputed the claim, arguing that Castellanos ignored orders to disperse. Castellanos, a college student and professional esports athlete at the time, may see the damages triple to $35 million with court approval. The LAPD faces multiple lawsuits over its use of blunt-force weapons at gatherings and protests. 
