Los Angeles, California – The incident involving the unintentional shooting and death of a 14-year-old girl at a North Hollywood store by a Los Angeles police officer will not lead to criminal charges, California Attorney General Rob Bonta confirmed. The tragic event occurred when Officer William Jones Jr. fired shots following reports of a potential active shooter situation at a Burlington Coat Factory on December 23, 2021. One of the bullets struck the innocent bystander, Valentina Orellana-Peralta, who was seeking refuge in a changing room with her mother.
Responding to calls about a disturbance, Officer Jones encountered Daniel Elena-Lopez, who was holding a bike lock near a woman covered in blood on the store premises. The situation escalated, leading to Jones firing at Elena-Lopez, resulting in his death. Unfortunately, one of the bullets changed direction and hit young Valentina, causing her death on the scene.
The investigation conducted by the California Department of Justice revealed that Officer Jones may have acted under the belief of imminent danger or harm as he aimed to protect himself and others. Despite the heartbreaking outcome, the evidence did not support a criminal intent in Jones’s actions, leading to the decision of no criminal charges being filed against him.
The incident sparked national outrage and demands for accountability, with activists calling for changes in police tactics. The DOJ investigation highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in communication and training within the LAPD. Although the officer’s actions were deemed lawful self-defense, there were identified shortcomings in information sharing and assessment of the threat.
Despite the oversight board’s ruling on policy violations, Officer Jones remains employed within the LAPD. The family of Valentina Orellana-Peralta has taken legal action against the City of Los Angeles, seeking justice for the tragic loss of their daughter. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by law enforcement officers in high-pressure situations, emphasizing the need for continuous oversight and training to prevent similar tragedies in the future.