Juan Rojo (Full Name: Juan Guerrero Rojo) Died in Hollywood, Los Angeles Police Shooting at Apartment Complex on North Bronson Avenue
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA (December 23, 2025) – A 38-year-old man identified as Juan Rojo has tragically died in a Hollywood, Los Angeles, police shooting at an apartment complex on North Bronson Avenue.
Los Angeles County officials are saying the accident took place around 3:35 PM on Thursday. Officers were called to the apartment complex after getting reports of a man who may be in the midst of a mental health crisis.
Authorities encountered Juan Rojo who was allegedly armed with a knife. Police said that he was “speaking to ghosts” and said that he didn’t want anyone to approach his front door.
Officers announced their presence and could hear the subject yelling from the inside of his apartment. It was at this point that he opened the door.
Authorities positioned themselves further away from the door and began to communicate with him. Juan Rojo allegedly exited his apartment and moved towards officers with a knife.
It was at this point that an officer-involved shooting occurred. Paramedics were called to the scene to help the man. He was transported to the hospital with critical injuries.
Despite life-saving measures, he was pronounced dead at the hospital. A full investigation into the Los Angeles police shooting remains ongoing.
Liability for Los Angeles County Police Shootings
Police officers in California must operate with a great deal of care to avoid needlessly harming suspects. According to CA 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.” In particular, there are several measures that officers should take if they believe that a suspect may be in the midst of a mental health crisis.
- Assessment: Officers should identify signs that any individual may be in the midst of a mental health crisis. This can include behaviors that suggest confusion or disorientation.
- De-Escalate: Officers should speak in a calm tone and avoid escalation by keeping a safe distance.
- Coordination: Officers should call for backup and specialized units when possible.
- Acknowledge: Officers should acknowledge the suspect’s feelings and actively listen to the suspect.
When a police officer in California fails to follow a safety rule promulgated by their employer, this could serve as evidence of negligence. Consider, for example, Adams v. City of Fremont (1998). Authorities received a call about a man who was allegedly armed and emotionally disturbed. After police officers arrived, they shot and killed the subject. A jury found the responding officers acted negligently by escalating the encounter with a person who expressed suicidal ideations.
Steps to Take After Los Angeles County Police Shootings
A large portion of fatal police shootings in California and across the United States involve a person in the midst of a mental health crisis. According to the Treatment Advocacy Center, “The risk of being killed while being approached or stopped by law enforcement in the community is 16 times higher for individuals with untreated serious mental illness than for other civilians.” It is important that certain actions are taken after any fatal shooting involving the Los Angeles Police Department.
- Medical Records: All of the medical records and autopsy reports related to the shooting should be gathered.
- Body Cameras: The body camera footage from all involved officers should be collected.
- Lead Up: The circumstances leading up to the shooting should be properly understood and investigated.
- Legal Review: The family member of any person killed by the Los Angeles Police Department should seek the guidance of an experienced civil rights attorney.
California’s constitution is considerably broader than the federal constitution with respect to the reasonableness of police shootings. An officer’s use of force may be deemed unreasonable given the totality of circumstances leading up to a use-of-force incident. A police shooting may be considered unjustified under California law even if the actions of police officers seemed reasonable at the time of the incident. The family of any person killed in a shooting with the Los Angeles Police Department may be able to seek some measure of justice through a wrongful death claim.
Investigating Los Angeles Police Department Shootings
We at Carrazco Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of Juan Rojo. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. It is deeply concerning that a man in need of serious assistance became another victim of the LAPD. Many questions remain unanswered.
Do you need more information about a Los Angeles Police Department shooting? Our team of civil rights advocates is here to answer any questions that you may have. We are committed to helping victims understand their rights and holding law enforcement accountable for their unconstitutional actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need any other type of support, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at (800) 541-3244.
