LOS ANGELES — A filmmaker and his daughter have been awarded over $3 million after a jury found Los Angeles County liable for injuries sustained when a sheriff’s deputy shot him with a non-lethal projectile during a protest against police violence in 2020.
Cellin Gluck, 67, claimed in a lawsuit that the county and several unnamed deputies were negligent and committed battery, violating both his and his daughter’s civil rights. The jury concluded earlier this month that the deputy, whose identity remains unknown, used excessive force in dealing with the crowd of protesters, resulting in significant harm to Gluck. The jury also found that witnessing the incident caused emotional distress to his daughter, Caroline, 28.
On May 30, 2020, Gluck was participating in a peaceful protest in Los Angeles’ Fairfax District shortly after George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis. He contended that he posed no threat at the time, asserting he was unarmed and facing away from law enforcement. According to the lawsuit, the Glucks were attempting to assist another protester who had been injured when the deputy shot Gluck, leading to severe injuries.
The jury ordered that Gluck receive $3.5 million and his daughter $300,000. The ruling followed an approximately five-hour hearing at the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Gluck expressed his relief at the verdict, stating, “Justice was found because they are going to be held accountable,” emphasizing the need for accountability among officials who use force.
Despite the jury’s decision, they determined that both Gluck and the surrounding crowd share some responsibility for the incident, attributing 20% of the fault to Gluck and 15% to the crowd. As a result, the total amount awarded will be reduced, with Gluck ultimately receiving $2.275 million and Caroline $195,000, according to the Los Angeles Office of County Counsel.
The county’s legal counsel indicated that they are assessing all options, which may include an appeal, adding a layer of uncertainty regarding the final financial outcome for the Glucks.
The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department released a statement reflecting on the incident, asserting a commitment to review past actions to enhance community service and mitigate future occurrences.
Carl Douglas, the attorney representing the Glucks, criticized the situation, suggesting that repeated settlements for excessive force should alarm taxpayers who ultimately bear the financial consequences. “Training is only as effective as the individuals executing it,” Douglas said. He urged for greater accountability among deputies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This case underscores ongoing tensions between law enforcement and community members, particularly in the wake of heightened scrutiny of police practices during protests over racial justice.
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