In a shocking turn of events, Deputy Ty Shelton from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is facing serious allegations of excessive force and violence. According to a new lawsuit filed on March 29, eight months before Shelton fatally shot a woman in front of her 9-year-old daughter, he allegedly body-slammed a school janitor who was simply taking out the trash.

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the Palmdale School District, targets both Shelton and the Sheriff’s Department in Los Angeles Superior Court. It claims that Shelton should have been able to distinguish that the school janitor, Eric Rios, was not the suspect he was chasing and that Rios posed no threat. Despite Rios clearly stating that he was not the suspect, Shelton proceeded to violently body-slam him to the ground, causing substantial injuries.

The Sheriff’s Department, in response to the lawsuit, stated that Rios was wearing similar clothing to the suspect and fit the physical description, leading deputies to believe he was the person they were chasing. However, it was quickly determined that Rios was not the suspect, and medical aid was offered to him after the incident.

This is not the first time Shelton’s use of force has come under scrutiny. In 2020, he shot and killed a man during a response to a domestic violence call in Lancaster. County records show that prosecutors declined to file charges against Shelton in that case, but acknowledged that there may have been other reasonable options available to him.

In another tragic incident, Shelton was involved in the shooting of Niani Finlayson, a mother from Lancaster, who called 911 for help claiming her former boyfriend was attacking her and her daughter. According to a notice of claim filed by Finlayson’s family, deputies arrived at the scene and shot Finlayson multiple times through a sliding glass door, despite her not posing a threat.

Attorney Bradley Gage filed a notice of claim on behalf of Finlayson’s family, indicating plans to sue the county and the Sheriff’s Department for $30 million. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for Shelton to be held accountable for his actions.

The Sheriff’s Department has had a troubled history in the Antelope Valley, facing allegations of using unreasonable force, harassment, and intimidation towards Black and Latino residents. A federal investigation in 2013 found a pattern of misconduct, leading to a settlement agreement outlining necessary reforms.

It is imperative that instances of excessive force and violence by law enforcement officers are thoroughly investigated and addressed. The safety and well-being of the community depend on accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies. The allegations against Deputy Ty Shelton are deeply concerning and must be taken seriously to ensure justice is served.