Los Angeles Police Department Involved in Fatal Shooting of Hugo Polanco in Watts Near Kalmia Street and 103rd Street
WATTS, SOUTH LOS ANGELES (November 14, 2025) – A 56-year-old man identified as Hugo Polanco has tragically died in a Watts police shooting by Calm Street at 103rd Street.
Los Angeles Police Department officials are saying that the incident began around noon on Tuesday. Police officers were called to the scene after receiving reports about a person who was allegedly holding some type of metal chain and swinging it around vehicles.
The LAPD arrived at the scene and encountered Hugo Polanco. Officers ordered him to drop the cluster of wires that he was holding.
He did drop the wires at first. But he allegedly picked them back up again. Officers deployed a 40 mm less lethal launcher.
They did this a second time before opening fire with their service pistols. Paramedics were called to the scene to help the man.
Hugo Polanco was transported to the hospital in critical condition. Sadly, he was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
A full investigation into the Watts police shooting remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Los Angeles County Police Shootings
The ability to use lethal force is one of the most consequential powers that police officers hold. This force must be utilized with the utmost care and discretion. Pursuant to California Assembly Bill No. 392, the authority to use physical force is a serious responsibility that must be exercised judiciously with respect for the dignity and human rights of all persons. Every person in the state of California has the right to live free from excessive force exercised under the color of law. There are many mistakes that a police officer may have made that contributed to a police shooting.
- Failure to Coordinate: A police officer may fail to coordinate with other officers to prevent chaotic escalation.
- De-escalation Techniques: A police officer may have failed to take any steps to de-escalate an encounter with a suspect.
- Protocols: A police officer may have failed to follow adequate protocols for dealing with a suspect in the midst of a mental health crisis.
- Use of Force Continuum: A police officer may have failed to follow a use of force continuum and only escalate their use of force when necessary.
Police officers are given a great deal of discretion with respect to how they carry out their job duties. But at no point are officers allowed to use excessive force. According to 42 U.S. Code § 1983, every person who, under the color of law, deprives someone of their rights afforded under the Constitution, shall be liable to the injured party in an action at law. Lethal force should only be used as an absolute measure of last resort.
Steps to Take After Los Angeles Police Department Shootings
Far too many people are killed or seriously injured every year in police shootings in the United States. Many of these encounters involve people in the midst of a serious mental health crisis. According to the International Bipolar Foundation, “People with untreated mental illness are 16 times more likely to be fatally shot during an encounter with police than people with their mental illnesses under control.” Several steps should be taken after any fatal police shooting.
- Medical Records: All of the medical records related to the incident should be collected and preserved.
- Body Camera Footage: Police officers in California are required to wear body cameras. The footage that these cameras capture can be pivotal in helping to identify errors that officers made.
- Eyewitness Testimony: All of the testimony from potential eyewitnesses should be carefully examined.
- Legal Review: The family of any person who died in a police shooting should seek the guidance of a team with ample experience in civil rights claims.
Police shootings are often highly preventable. They tend to involve situations where officers are either unwilling or unable to de-escalate encounters. Among other things. Police officers may not understand how to deal with suspects who may be in the middle of a serious mental health crisis. The family of any person who died in a Los Angeles Police Department shooting may be able to see some measure of accountability and justice through a wrongful death claim.
Investigating Los Angeles Police Department Shootings
We at Carrazco Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of Hugo Polanco. 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. Many questions remain unanswered at this time. Did officers follow all protocols correctly? What did officers know about the man prior to arriving on the scene?
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 care deeply that all people in California are aware of their rights and that law enforcement are held accountable for their unconstitutional actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (800) 541-3244.
