On Oct. 14, 2017, plaintiff’s decedent Michael Lopez, 44, was being pursued by Torrance police officers through the city of Torrance. The officers twice attempted a pursuit intervention technique, or PIT maneuver, which is a pursuit tactic by which a pursuing car can force a fleeing driver to lose control of the vehicle and stop. However, when the officers believed Lopez was about to flee, they fired their weapons. Lopez was shot 23 times, and his vehicle was brought to a stop on South Sepulveda Boulevard, in Los Angeles. He died at the scene a short time later. Lopez’s father, Victor Reyes, sued the officers’ employer, the city of Torrance, and the officers’ supervisor, Chief Eve Irvine. Reyes alleged that the officers subjected Lopez to excessive force in violation of Lopez’s civil and constitutional rights. Reyes also alleged that that the Irvine and the city negligently trained the officers, making them liable for the officers’ actions. Irvine was ultimately dismissed from the case, and the matter was transferred from U.S. District Court, Central District, Los Angeles (Docket No. 2:2018cv06917) to Los Angeles County Superior Court, Torrance. Plaintiff’s counsel contended that it was a low-speed pursuit and that Lopez did not hit any pedestrians or vehicles. Counsel asserted that since Lopez was unarmed and did not present any imminent danger to anyone, the officers’ action of shooting Lopez 23 times was excessive. Defense counsel contended that while the second PIT maneuver was attempted while Lopez was traveling at 35 mph, Lopez had already fled from the police once and was traveling at a speeds as high as 85 mph on surface streets during the second pursuit. Counsel also contended that Lopez ran through stop signs and red lights during the pursuits and that the pursuing officers suspected Lopez of being intoxicated because of Lopez’s reckless driving. Counsel further contended that after the second PIT maneuver, Lopez revved his engine while his vehicle was in the path of officers. Defense counsel argued that as a result of Lopez’s actions, the officers acted in self-defense, or in defense of others, and that the officers’ use of force was reasonable and lawful. Counsel also denied any liability on the part of the city and Irvine., Lopez sustained 23 gunshot wounds and died at the scene 35 minutes later. Lopez’s father sought recovery of wrongful death damages for the loss of his son.