Sorrell Shifflett, a disabled man with cognitive difficulties due to a past brain injury, was subjected to a brutal beating by two California police officers in October 2019. The officers, Ismael Navarro and Anthony Pantoja, stopped Shifflett, who was dressed as an anime character, and his cousin while responding to a report of suspicious individuals in San Leandro. Despite being aware of Shifflett’s disability, the officers violently confronted him with batons and tasers, causing him to sustain significant injuries. The officers then left Shifflett at a nearby hospital without compassion, and he was never charged with any crimes.
Following the incident, Shifflett filed a federal lawsuit against the city of San Leandro and the two officers. The lawsuit was recently settled for $3.9 million, although the city did not admit to any liability or wrongdoing by the officers. San Leandro public information officer Paul Sanftner stated that Shifflett was wearing a karate outfit and admitted to carrying a knife when the officers encountered him. However, Shifflett consented to a search and fled before being apprehended by the officers. The encounter escalated when Shifflett took a fighting stance, leading to the officers using force against him.
Despite the city’s stance that the officers acted appropriately, Shifflett’s attorneys argue that the excessive force used by the officers was unnecessary and resulted in serious injuries to Shifflett. The incident exacerbated a pre-existing brain injury, causing Shifflett to experience severe physical and emotional distress. The attorneys also highlighted the lack of empathy shown by the officers, as captured on body camera footage. Charges against Shifflett were eventually dropped, further raising concerns about the officers’ actions and the justification for their use of force.
In response to the incident, San Leandro Interim Police Chief Angela Averiett indicated that the department updated its body-worn camera policy in 2022 to ensure the retention of interactions with community members for seven years. This policy change was a direct result of Shifflett’s encounter with the officers and aims to facilitate the review of potential criminal, administrative, or civil cases involving law enforcement. Despite the update to the body camera policy, Officer Navarro continues to work for the San Leandro Police Department, while Officer Pantoja no longer serves on the force.
The settlement of Shifflett’s lawsuit sheds light on the systemic issues within law enforcement, particularly concerning interactions with individuals with disabilities. The case underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in policing practices and highlights the consequences of excessive force and misconduct by officers. Moving forward, it is crucial for law enforcement agencies to prioritize training and protocols that address interactions with vulnerable populations to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Additionally, ongoing efforts to hold officers accountable for misconduct and improve community relations are essential to fostering trust and ensuring justice for all individuals, regardless of their disabilities or background.
