A federal lawsuit filed by Samuel Nelson, a man who was paralyzed after being shot by a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy in 2020, is close to being resolved with a $7 million settlement. The Los Angeles County Claims Board has recommended this settlement to the Board of Supervisors pending approval.
The incident occurred when Deputy Raymond Chavez, off-duty at the time, encountered Nelson and another man in a parking garage. Chavez suspected them of attempting to burglarize cars and confronted Nelson, who allegedly reached for a concealed knife in his waistband. Chavez shot Nelson three times in fear for his life, causing him to become a paraplegic.
Nelson filed a lawsuit alleging excessive force, unlawful detention, battery, and negligence by the county and Deputy Chavez. Despite facing drug-related charges and admitting to using methamphetamine on the day of the incident, Nelson maintains he was not burglarizing vehicles but searching for dropped money.
The lawsuit contends that Chavez’s actions were unjustified, as Nelson was not an immediate threat and was moving away when he was shot. It also accuses Chavez of collaborating with investigators to create a false narrative to cover up events surrounding the shooting.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department refrained from commenting on the settlement, citing its pending status. The Whittier Police Department, who worked with investigators on the case, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Despite prosecutors finding insufficient evidence to show that Chavez was not acting in lawful self-defense, the settlement indicates a recognition of the harm caused to Nelson and the need to address the excessive use of force in this case.
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