Lawyer Representing Family Of Man Fatally Shot By LAPD Following Chase Discusses $5M Settlement.
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The attorney representing the parents of a man killed following a December 2013 police chase in Los Angeles talked Thursday about the $5 million settlement won for his clients.
The chase ended with the driver of a white Corvette being fatally shot by police.
Authorities were accused of using excessive force for the killing of 51-year-old Brian Beaird.
The deadly and controversial shooting drew national attention. The chase ended -- after about an hour -- at Olympic Boulevard and Los Angeles Street.
Beaird crashed his car, stumbled out and was killed in a hail of bullets. His father watched the chase -- and the killing -- unfold on live TV.
On Thursday, CBS2's Dave Lopez spoke to the lawyer for the victim's family about the biggest financial settlement against the LAPD in more than a decade.
"Everyone knew he was unarmed," said attorney Dale Galipo, who represents Beaird's parents. "Most people who have seen the video, almost all people who have seen the video, have said this was completely excessive and unreasonable."
The City of Los Angeles agreed, reported Lopez.
On Thursday, the Los Angeles City Council signed off on a $5 million settlement for the family.
That figure represented the largest out-of-court settlement against the LAPD in more than 12 years.
"So they knew it was a bad shooting, they knew a jury would find against them," said Galipo, "I think they were just trying to mitigate their damages."
Galipo said Beaird's parents wanted more money. They originally asked for $20 million.
"I think a $5 million settlement is a good result," Galipo said.
Mitchell Englander, a reserve LAPD officer and current city council member, was one of two to vote against the settlement.
"The settlement doesn't say the officer's were correct in their actions, it doesn't say they were incorrect. It is not an admission of guilt," says Englander.
LAPD spokesman Andrew Smith said he was told not to discuss any aspects of this case or settlement on camera.
The three officers who fired on Beaird remain on paid leave.
Chief Charlie Beck said an investigation would be completed in about 90 days.
He said he would have no comment until the investigation is wrapped.
The LA City Attorney's Office said Beaird's father has been diagnosed with cancer, another reason to settle the case now.
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