Richard Pedro Perez III, known as "Pedie," died on September 14, 2014, in Richmond, California. He was 24 years old at the time of his death. The incident occurred outside Uncle Sam's Liquor Store on Cutting Boulevard. According to reports, Perez was involved in a confrontation with Richmond Police Officer Wallace Jensen. The altercation began when Officer Jensen conducted a self-initiated security check at the liquor store.
During the encounter, Perez, who was reportedly intoxicated, was shot by Officer Jensen. The officer claimed that Perez attempted to grab his gun, prompting him to fire in self-defense. However, multiple witnesses stated that Perez was unarmed and nonviolent at the time of the shooting.
The death of Richard Perez III sparked significant controversy and led to various legal and community responses. The Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office conducted an investigation into the shooting but ultimately decided not to file criminal charges against Officer Jensen. This decision was met with public outcry and protests from Perez's family and community members who believed that excessive force had been used. In 2016, the Perez family filed a wrongful death civil lawsuit against Officer Jensen and the City of Richmond. The lawsuit was settled out of court, with the family receiving an undisclosed amount in compensation.
In the years following Perez's death, his family and supporters have continued to advocate for police reform and accountability. The Richmond Citizen Police Review Commission conducted its own investigation and concluded that the force used against Perez was excessive and unreasonable. This finding led to changes in police training and policies within the Richmond Police Department. In 2023, the department announced new cultural sensitivity training for officers, partly in response to the Perez case. Additionally, the Richmond City Council declared September 14 as a day of remembrance for Richard Perez III, honoring his memory and acknowledging the impact of his death on the community.
The case of Richard Perez III remains a poignant example of the ongoing debates surrounding police use of force and the need for systemic changes in law enforcement practices. His family's efforts to seek justice and promote reform have contributed to broader discussions about police accountability and the importance of community-based responses to crises.
