A federal jury recently awarded $11.8 million to Isaac Castellanos, a Dodgers fan who lost vision in one eye due to a police projectile during a 2020 World Series celebration. This verdict concludes a six-year legal struggle for Castellanos, who was injured when LAPD officers fired less-lethal weapons into a crowd, striking him in the face.
Castellanos, then a 22-year-old student at Cal State Long Beach, was celebrating peacefully near Crypto.com Arena when the police intervened. Officials claimed they were responding to vandalism and unrest but many witnesses, including Castellanos, believe the situation was largely calm. His attorneys argue that this incident represents excessive force, especially considering recent data revealing a spike in lawsuits regarding police use of force, particularly during protests.
During the trial, evidence revealed that Castellanos was hit by a 37-mm “skip trace” launcher, designed to target the lower body from close range. His team highlighted that the projectiles were fired from around 145 feet away. Even LAPD policy suggests these weapons should not be used from such a distance, making this incident particularly concerning.
Casualties from police actions during protests have sparked widespread discussion on social media. Many users are calling for comprehensive police reforms and heightened accountability. A recent survey showed that 70% of Americans believe police departments should decrease the use of less-lethal weapons during crowd control.
Beyond the financial settlement, the emotional impact on Castellanos is significant. He was poised for a promising career in esports, having won a $20,000 prize at a gaming competition shortly before the incident. Losing his vision jeopardizes those dreams, leading attorney Pedram Esfandiary to emphasize the broader implications of such injuries on young lives.
This case also highlights recent changes in police protocols. In 2020, the LAPD had to limit the use of certain projectile launchers after significant public outcry. In January, a federal judge imposed an injunction against 40-mm launchers due to safety concerns. However, police have still used other crowd control methods, raising ongoing questions about their operational practices.
As Castellanos’ legal journey closes, many hope it serves as a wake-up call for law enforcement. The growing number of lawsuits surrounding less-lethal weapons underscores an urgent need for better training and accountability within police departments.
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