Los Angeles, Calif. — A jury has ordered Los Angeles County to pay nearly $4 million to a filmmaker and his daughter after he was injured during protests in 2020, sparked by the death of George Floyd. The decision highlights ongoing scrutiny of law enforcement tactics employed during the demonstrations.
Cellin Gluck, 66, was filming the protests near Beverly Boulevard and Stanley Avenue when he was struck in the face by a rubber bullet fired by a sheriff’s deputy. His attorneys reported that the impact caused significant injuries, including a fractured face and shrapnel lodged in his nasal cavity, which necessitated surgical intervention. Gluck now faces permanent disfigurement and vision problems, as well as enduring psychological trauma from the incident.
Following a trial, jurors awarded Gluck $3.5 million to compensate for the emotional distress he experienced and $300,000 to his daughter, Caroline, who witnessed the event unfold. Attorney Carl E. Douglas emphasized the importance of accountability, noting that the jury’s decision reflects a significant stance on law enforcement conduct during protests.
This ruling adds to a series of verdicts challenging the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s handling of the protests and the broader use of force methods employed during that time. Several other lawsuits related to the sheriff’s department’s practices are still pending in the courts, indicating that the fallout from the events of 2020 may continue to evolve.
As communities grapple with issues of policing and protester rights, this case may set precedents for future legal actions related to law enforcement’s response to civil unrest. The financial penalty against Los Angeles County underscores the legal risks faced by police agencies when their tactics result in injury to civilians.
This legal outcome serves as a reminder of the lasting impacts of violence during protests and raises questions about the measures used by law enforcement to control public demonstrations. The backlash against the sheriff’s department could have lasting implications for public policy and policing standards in Los Angeles and beyond.
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