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Raymond Lavalle

Gender : Male

Age : 48

Race : Latino/a/e

Date : 10/02/2024

Location : San Gabriel River Trail near Cedardale Lane

City : Santa Fe Springs

County : Los Angeles

State : California

Agency : Downey Police Department

Officer(s) :Not Disclosed

Cause of Death : Unknown

Event : Unhoused pedestrian bystander killed by police vehicle

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On October 2, 2024, 48-year-old Raymond LaValle was fatally struck by a Downey Police Department vehicle while walking near the San Gabriel River Trail in Santa Fe Springs. The officer involved allegedly left the scene without rendering aid. LaValle's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Downey Police Department, asserting that the officer was aware of the collision but failed to stop. The family also alleges that the department attempted to cover up the incident by not issuing a news release or notifying them promptly. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office declined to file criminal charges, citing insufficient evidence that the officer was aware of hitting a person. The family continues to seek justice and transparency regarding the circumstances of LaValle's death.

SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-05-06/downey-police-officer-fatally-struck-pedestrian-and-drove-away-victims-family-sues-city
https://abc7.com/post/downey-police-department-facing-wrongful-death-lawsuit-deadly-hit-run-crash/16341367/