Protesters call for independent investigation of Jan. 18 police shooting of 16-year-old Joshua Alvarez
/On the afternoon of Jan. 20, about 50 protesters gathered and marched in front of the Highland Police station in order to call for independent investigation and legal action in the case of the officer involved shooting Saturday night, Jan 18, when 16-year-old Joshua Alvarez, armed with a hammer and a sharp object, was shot by a San Bernardino County Sheriff's officer responding to a domestic disturbance call.
According to a Sheriff's Department report deputies from the Highland Police department responded to the 7400 block of Rogers Lane, in Highland, following the report of a domestic disturbance. The reporting party stated that a family member was armed with a weapon and the caller was in fear for their safety. When deputies arrived at the residence, the suspect was walking away from the location. As deputies attempted to make contact with the suspect, he turned toward the deputies; armed with a hammer and a sharp instrument. The suspect attempted to attack a deputy; causing the deputy to fire his duty weapon, striking the suspect.
According to members of Alvarez' family he received emergency surgery for damage to his liver and kidney, and he remains in critical condition.
On Sunday night a candlelight vigil was held followed by Monday's protest organized by the Inland Empire Rapid Response Network. The protesters at the police station, closed for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, included some of Alvarez' family members (aunts and cousins) and several community action groups dealing with immigration issues.
Joshua Alvarez' aunt and Rapid Response member Alva Alvarez spoke for the family.
The protesters were calling for an independent investigation, prosecution of those responsible and restitution to the family, the institution of a policy against the use of lethal force by police when there is no imminent threat, the repaired use of camera's in officers' lapel and the creation of in independent county commission to investigate incidents of police brutality.
The protestors were signing a petition with these demands to be given to the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department.
