LOS ANGELES, California — A federal jury has ordered the city of Los Angeles to pay $11.8 million to a man who was permanently blinded in one eye after being struck by a police projectile during a 2020 World Series celebration.
The verdict stems from a lawsuit filed by Isaac Castellanos, who was hit in the face by a “less-lethal” projectile fired by Los Angeles Police Department officers while celebrating the Dodgers’ championship in downtown Los Angeles. Castellanos, then a college student, alleged officers used excessive force by firing into a crowd without warning.
Jurors found two LAPD officers liable for excessive force and negligence after deliberating for less than two hours. Castellanos’ attorney said the injury significantly altered his life, including ending his prospects in competitive esports.
The incident occurred during crowd control efforts as police moved to disperse celebratory gatherings. Evidence presented at trial indicated officers fired projectiles from a distance into the crowd.
The case adds to ongoing scrutiny of LAPD’s use of less-lethal munitions, which has been the subject of multiple lawsuits and legal restrictions in recent years.
City officials have not yet indicated whether they will appeal the ruling.
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