Omar Emilio Benitez, a 22-year-old Latino male, tragically lost his life on May 15, 2017, in Long Beach, California. According to the Los Angeles County coroner's records, Benitez died after being shot multiple times by police officers. The incident occurred following a high-speed chase that began when officers attempted to stop a stolen van driven by Benitez.
The pursuit, which was captured on videotape by a news media helicopter and televised live, spanned multiple cities including South Gate, Lynwood, and Paramount, before culminating in Long Beach. During the chase, Benitez drove recklessly, running red lights, stop signs, and even driving into oncoming traffic. The pursuit ended when Benitez stopped the van, and in the ensuing confrontation, he was shot by South Gate Police Department officers.
The shooting of Omar Emilio Benitez was reviewed by the Justice System Integrity Division of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. The investigation revealed that on May 12, 2017, Benitez had stolen a van, which he and his accomplices later used to commit a robbery and a drive-by shooting. On the day of the incident, officers received a radio broadcast about the stolen van and attempted to stop it. Benitez, however, did not comply and led the officers on a dangerous chase. During the pursuit, one of Benitez's accomplices surrendered, but Benitez continued to flee. When the chase finally ended, Benitez was shot by Officer Ricardo Navarro, who believed that Benitez posed an imminent threat. The District Attorney’s Office concluded that Officer Navarro acted in lawful self-defense and in defense of others.
The aftermath of the shooting saw significant public and legal scrutiny. Benitez's family and community members expressed outrage over the use of lethal force, particularly given that Benitez was unarmed at the time of the shooting. They argued that the officers had used excessive force and called for justice for Benitez. The case drew attention to issues of police conduct and the use of force, prompting discussions and protests within the community. Despite the District Attorney’s findings, the incident left a lasting impact on Benitez's family, who continued to seek justice and accountability for his death.
