‘Not About Race’: Sheriff Speaks About Danville Shooting

DANVILLE, CA — The family of a Newark man who was fatally shot by a deputy in Danville has filed a claim against the town alleging that he was shot based on his race, according to a report by the San Francisco Chronicle.

In response to the claim, Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office said issued a statement acknowledging the loss the Arboleda family is experiencing.

“Our hearts go out to the Arboleda family. Losing a family member is always sad and difficult.”

Laudemer Arboleda, 33, died after Contra Costa County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Hall fired his weapon several times at Arboleda as he drove toward Hall, according to Jimmy Lee, a spokesman for the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office. The Town of Danville contracts with the Sheriff's office to provide police services.

The incident began about 11 a.m. on Nov. 3, when Danville police were notified of a suspicious person near Cottage Lane and Laurel Drive, next to Interstate Highway 680 near downtown. The citizen reported seeing a man exit his vehicle, walk toward several homes in that area with bags in his hands, go back to his car and circle the neighborhood.

Officers soon found the man, identified as Arboleda, who ignored officers' commands to stop. Arboleda fled in his car, leading officers on a short pursuit, pulling over twice during that time in what officers thought may be Arboleda's surrender.

Instead, Arboleda drove a few blocks further to the intersection of Front Street and Diablo Road, turned and accelerated toward Officer Hall, Lee said. Hall fired several shots at Arboleda, who was struck at least once. Arboleda was taken to the San Ramon Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.

“This is a tragic case, yet once again John Burris is reaching for his well-worn race card,” Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston said in a statement. “This is not about race. This is about a dangerous and reckless person trying to run down and murder a police officer. Once all investigations are completed, we look forward to sharing the full details with the public.”

Read the full story here.

Bay City News contributed to this report

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