Watch CBS News

Protesters Call For Justice For Man, 18, Shot And Killed By LA County Sheriff's Deputies

GARDENA (CBSLA) — More protests were held on Sunday over the deadly deputy-involved shooting that claimed the life of 18-year-old Andres Guardado last week.

Starting at 2 p.m., protesters marched from Gardena to the Compton Civic Center, demanding justice for Guardado, who was shot and killed while working at a Gardena auto body shop.

CBS2's Jeff Nguyen reported that a witness captured video of someone throwing an object toward deputies, to which deputies responded by firing off pepper balls. Some protesters, including a Marine Corps veteran who says he was not violent toward deputies, reported getting hit as well in his temple, stomach and leg.

Before nightfall, the sheriff's department declared an unlawful assembly and warned people they would be arrested if they didn't leave. Some stayed behind, leading to six arrests for unlawful assembly and one for resisting arrest. They were all cited and released.

Groups dispersed and the demonstrations appeared to be over at around 8 p.m.

The protest took place about three miles from where investigators said on Thursday afternoon, Guardado flashed a gun and tried to run from deputies, prompting them to open fire. Authorities also say a loaded unregistered gun was found at the scene. Guardado's family, however, disputes those claims and is demanding justice in his death.

As the investigation continues, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department says it has obtained about a half dozen security cameras and video equipment from the business where the shooting occurred.

"We are going to work hard, do our best. We're going to be as transparent as we can be," said Sheriff Alex Villanueva of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. "That's why we are pushing for the body-worn cameras since my first week in office."

Meantime, California Congresswomen Maxine Waters and Nanette Diaz Barragán have called on Attorney General Xavier Becerra to conduct an investigation. In a joint statement, they said:

"Another day, and another Black or Brown kid has been shot in the back by police. These killings must stop. We demand it. The American people demand it.

"Andres Guardado is the latest young man of color killed by police gunfire. He was shot in the back. The officers involved did not wear body cameras.

"We demand answers and call for an independent investigation into this tragic death. There must be full transparency so the public can trust the investigation and we know we are getting the truth.

"We are asking California Attorney General Xavier Becerra to conduct a full investigation into this incident.

"Far too often, young Brown and Black men are caught up in a 'shoot first, ask questions later' scenario with police officers. We will not stand for it whether it is in Atlanta, or like this case, in South Los Angeles.

"Change must come now. For weeks, the American people and the world have marched to demand accountability, put an end to aggressive and violent police tactics, and equal justice for Black and Brown communities. We must show them their pleas are being heard. Now. That begins with making sure we get justice for Andres Guardado."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.