Roger Nielsen (Full Name: Roger John Nielsen) Died After Being Shot With 40mm Less-Lethal Launcher by the Los Angeles Police Department
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (September 22, 2025) – A man identified as Roger Nielsen has died after being arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department.
Los Angeles Police Department officials are saying that the incident began around 2:30 a.m. on the 700 block of West Channel Street. The LAPD was called to the scene after getting reports of a robbery in progress at a convenience store.
This is when officers encountered Roger Nielsen. Officers began speaking with the man before he grabbed some piece of a sign.
One officer opened fire and shot him with a 40mm Less-Lethal Launcher in his upper torso. Officers pushed him to the ground and placed him face down.
He was then arrested after what police called a “Non-Categorical Use of Force (NCUOF).” At some point during the arrest, Roger Nielsen went into medical distress.
Paramedics were called to the scene to help him. He was transported to a local area hospital, and his condition worsened. Medical staff later pronounced him dead at the hospital.
A full investigation into the Los Angeles Police Department in-custody death remains ongoing.
Liability for Los Angeles Police Department Shootings
Lethal force should only be used as a measure of last resort. According to California Penal Code § 835a, “the authority to use physical force, conferred on peace officers by this section, is a serious responsibility that shall be exercised judiciously and with respect for human rights and dignity and for the sanctity of every human life. The Legislature further finds and declares that every person has a right to be free from excessive use of force by officers acting under color of law.” As a means of preventing violence, officers should use the POST Use of Force Standards and Guidelines.
- Respect: Any use of force must be exercised judiciously.
- Reasonable: Any use of force must be reasonable given the totality of circumstances that an officer encounters.
- Lawful: Any use of force must advance a legitimate law enforcement purpose.
- De-escalation: When it is safe and feasible, officers should work to calm suspects and de-escalate encounters.
Police officers in California should use the least amount of force necessary to get suspects to comply with their demands. When a police officer uses excessive force and harms a suspect, this could form the basis of a constitutional claim. Pursuant to 42 U.S. Code § 1983, every person who, under the color of any statute or ordinance, causes a person to be deprived of their rights protected by the constitution shall be liable to the injured party through an action at law. What will be considered excessive force depends in large part on the unique set of circumstances that an officer encounters.
Excessive Force Claims Involving ‘Less-Lethal’ Munitions
In an attempt to prevent suspects from being killed, police departments have increasingly relied on ‘less-lethal’ weapons. But these devices have caused a number of serious injuries and deaths. According to one report by The Trace, “A 2017 analysis of nearly 2,000 injuries sustained by kinetic projectiles found that the vast majority were severe; 300 people were left permanently disabled, and 53 died.” These devices can be particularly deadly when they are misused.
- Aiming: Suspects can be killed if an officer fires a projectile round directly at a person’s head, neck, or throat. In particular, the force of the round could cause a lethal brain hemorrhage.
- Close Range: Less-lethal munitions should not be fired at very close ranges. Firing at very close ranges dramatically increases the risk that the round may penetrate soft tissue.
- Additional Force: These devices are more likely to kill suspects if they are combined with chemical agents such as pepper spray. Restraining suspects in a prone position can also contribute to a medical emergency.
The misuse or abuse of tasers and less-lethal munitions could form the basis of an excessive force claim. Unfortunately, police departments will virtually never accept responsibility when their officers kill a suspect. It is more common that they will blame the victim for what happened. But the truth of the matter is that many in-custody deaths can be prevented when officers adequately follow safety protocols. The family of any person who died in police custody may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil rights claim.
Investigating Los Angeles Police Department Shootings
We at Carrazco Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of Roger Nielsen. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened. Every person deserves fair treatment and due process no matter what crime they happen to be accused of.
Do you need more information about a death in LAPD custody? Our team of civil rights investigators is here for you. We care deeply that people across California are aware of their constitutional rights and that those rights are being protected. No police or police department is above the law. Whether you just have legal questions or would like a free, independent investigation into any in-custody death, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at (800) 541-3244.
