Los Angeles, California – A tragic incident involving the shooting of a 14-year-old girl inside a clothing store left the community in shock as the California Attorney General’s office announced that no criminal charges would be filed against the police officer responsible. The officer, William Dorsey Jones Jr., opened fire at a suspect, resulting in the death of the young girl who was hiding with her mother in a dressing room.
The shooting took place at a Burlington department store in the San Fernando Valley, following an attack by 24-year-old Daniel Elena Lopez on two women. Officer Jones fired three shots, mistaking the situation for an active shooter scenario. Unfortunately, both the girl and Lopez lost their lives in the tragic event.
Despite the civilian review board ruling that the shooting was a violation of department policy, the Los Angeles Police Commission found Jones justified in firing once, but not in the subsequent shots. The state Department of Justice, under Attorney General Rob Bonta, decided against pressing charges but recommended the police department update their communication training to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident ignited controversy and protests, with the officer being accused of using excessive force. However, Jones remains with the department at the Topanga Division. The victim’s family brought a civil suit against both the department and Jones, alleging inadequate training and supervision led to the fatal shooting.
The attorney for the victim’s family highlighted the devastation caused by the loss of the young girl and criticized the department for fostering an environment that allowed such a tragic event to occur. The lawsuit remains pending as the family seeks justice for their daughter’s untimely death.
The Department of Justice’s decision shed light on the circumstances surrounding the shooting, revealing that the round that struck the girl was unintended and unforeseeable. Despite the tragic outcome, the legal proceedings surrounding the case continue as the family seeks accountability for the loss of their loved one.