California DOJ Declines to Charge LAPD Officer in 2021 Shooting of Teenager

The California Department of Justice announced it will not file charges against an LAPD officer who fatally shot a 14-year-old girl in a department store in 2021, citing insufficient evidence.

Valentina Orellana Peralta was killed by a stray bullet while shopping in a North Hollywood store with her mother.
The shooting occurred during a police response to a suspect who was attacking customers with a bike lock.
Officer William Jones, who fired the fatal shot, believed he was acting in self-defense, according to the DOJ report.
The DOJ has closed eight police shooting cases since 2021 without recommending charges against any officers.
The incident has prompted calls for the LAPD to update its communication and training protocols.