On May 30, 2024, 37-year-old Hugo Ernesto Cachua, a father of three from Ontario, California, was fatally shot following a traffic incident involving off-duty Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer Victor Corral. The confrontation occurred near North Euclid Avenue and West 6th Street around 8:30 p.m. After a minor collision, both men exited their vehicles, leading to a physical altercation on the sidewalk.
Dashcam footage from a passing vehicle captured the struggle, during which three gunshots were heard. Cachua was pronounced dead at the scene.
Family members assert that Cachua was unarmed and was shot in the back. At the time of the incident, Officer Corral had been on medical leave for approximately a year due to an injury. According to LAPD policy, officers on extended medical leave are typically required to surrender their concealed carry privileges; however, Corral retained his firearm during this period. The California Department of Justice has initiated an investigation into the shooting.
In the months following the incident, Cachua's family has actively sought justice and accountability. They have organized vigils and protests, including a demonstration outside Los Angeles City Hall, demanding the arrest and prosecution of Officer Corral. The family has also announced plans to file a lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles and Officer Corral, alleging wrongful death and questioning the officer's actions during the altercation. As of December 2024, no arrests have been made in connection with the case, and Officer Corral has returned to work.
The community continues to mourn the loss of Cachua, remembering him as a devoted father and brother. His death has sparked discussions about police conduct, the use of force by off-duty officers, and departmental policies regarding firearm privileges during medical leave. The ongoing investigation by the California Department of Justice aims to provide clarity and determine any potential criminal liability in this tragic incident.
