Los Angeles settles for $5.8 million with family of man shot by rookie officer
The city of Los Angeles agreed to pay $5.8 million to the family of Jason Maccani, who was fatally shot by a rookie LAPD officer during a mental-health crisis.
In February 2024, Jason Maccani, who was experiencing a bipolar episode, approached LAPD officers at a Skid Row warehouse while holding a plastic fork. After being struck with a 40-mm projectile, he moved toward six officers and a supervisor, leading to a struggle in which Officer Caleb Garcia-Alamilla shot him at close range, hitting his right arm and chest. The bullet also grazed the hand of Sergeant Jeffrey Punzalan.
An autopsy showed no drugs in Maccani’s system. The city of Los Angeles has agreed to a $5.8 million settlement with his family, concluding a two-year lawsuit; the officer is no longer with the force and LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell ruled the shooting violated department policy.
Why it matters
The settlement highlights concerns over police use of force and accountability in mental-health crises.
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