The Sanger Police Department is found not guilty of excessive force or negligence in the Federal civil rights trial in U.S. District Court in Fresno.
The video was compelling, taken by an eyewitness and shown to the jury.
Charles Salinas – a suicidal, US Marine Corp veteran, had told police he was armed, and was separated from officers by a fence, gunshots rang out, and Salinas hit the ground as the gunfire continued.
Defense Attorney Dale Allen Jr. (seen above) represented the Sanger Police officers accused of the 46 year-old’s wrongful death by his relatives.
“Videos don’t lie – but they only tell part of the truth.” -Defense Attorney Dale Allen Jr.
Officers said in depositions they feared for their lives because of his criminal record and mental health.
The jury finally deciding that there “was” a threat posed to officers Jason Boust, Angela Yambupah and Preston Little, and that the Sanger Police Department was not negligent and no excessive force was used.
“It was a terrible, terrible day that his problems came in contact with officer who felt their lives and other lives were in danger and in 20/20 hindsight, we found out that he did not have a weapon at all.” – Defense Attorney Dale Allen Jr.
