October 2, 2023 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

City of Santa Monica Approves $1.75 Million Settlement in Officer-Involved Shooting Case

Wolfgang Mountford settles with City in connection to 2019 shooting

By Sam Catanzaro

The City of Santa Monica finalized a $1.75 million settlement this week with a 31-year-old man struck in the head by a single gunshot fired by a former Santa Monica Police officer.

On July 14, 2019, just after 2 a.m. Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) officers responded to reports of a disturbance on the 2000 block of Lincoln Court. Earlier that morning, officers had responded to a call involving a similar complaint about loud noise in the alley. Responding officers had a non-confrontational encounter with Wolfgang Mountford, ran his identification, and left the premises. 

When the officers returned a second time, around 20 minutes later, they approached driving a dark vehicle without lights. Mountford became scared because he thought the resident who made the complaint was in the car, and he tried to hide behind a trash can.

As SMPD Officer Eloy Rodriguez began to approach Mountford, he then ran past the officer who fired a single gunshot striking Mountford in the head causing a severe injury. As paramedics treated Mountford at the scene, he didn’t realize he had a gunshot injury. 

“I had so much of my own blood unnecessarily spilled,” Mountford wrote in a social media post. “About 20 minutes before this happened, I had an interaction with the police, they ran my driver’s license, and they saw that I had no felonies, no warrants, no outstanding record, nothing, and they thanked me for cooperating and let me go. 20 minutes later I’m getting either a nightstick or the butt end of some officer’s gun to the back of my head.”

SMPD officers arrested Mountford, and he spent 18 days in jail, received a bill for his hospital treatment, and says he continues to suffer from the incident. 

“This settlement offers a sense of justice and vindication for our client who was maligned as a criminal when he was, in fact, a victim of excessive force and civil rights violations by law enforcement,” said plaintiff attorney Daniel Balaban.  

Mountford suffered a traumatic brain injury and the trauma associated with the shooting. The City of Santa Monica fired Rodriguez from the department in May 2020 after an investigation found he violated three municipal codes. 

The City issued the following statement in the wake of City Council approving the $1.75 million settlement. 

“Mountford mostly recovered from the incident but was claiming residual mental and emotional injuries including ongoing cognitive deficits. The case had been set for trial next month. The City does not admit liability, but believes the settlement is in the best interests of the City.”

in News
Related Posts

Spanish Contemporary Home With Pink Mirrored Cocktail Bar on Market for $6.5M

October 2, 2023

October 2, 2023

There’s a Private Oasis With a Pool, Jacuzzi, and Verdant Backyard Situated in the Santa Monica Canyon, this residence presents...

Global Surfing Association to Leave Santa Monica, Lists Main Street Office Space

October 2, 2023

October 2, 2023

The Association’s New Location Is Set to Be Ready by November By Zach Armstrong The office headquarters of professional surfing...

(Video) Interview With Downtown Activist on Being Attacked by Homeless Suspect

September 29, 2023

September 29, 2023

John Alle, co-founder of Santa Monica Coalition, was attacked in Palisades Park while filming. @smmirrornews John Alle was hospitalized after...

Suspected Drunk Driver Slams Into Citizen on Venice Beach Boardwalk

September 29, 2023

September 29, 2023

The Suspect Is Also Seen Drinking From a Modelo Beer Bottle By Zach Armstrong A potential drunk driver hit a...

Beloved Roosevelt Elementary Teacher Kitty Donohoe Leaves a Legacy of Inspiration

September 29, 2023

September 29, 2023

Longtime Educator Remembered for 35 Years of Dedication to Roosevelt Community By Gail Pinsker The Santa Monica – Malibu Unified...

$10K of Pickleball Equipment Destroyed in Memorial Park Arson

September 28, 2023

September 28, 2023

Thanks to an Outpour of Donations and Support, Storage Bins Should Be Set Up by the End of Next Week...

Revolutionize Your Coffee Experience: Blue Bottle’s Exclusive Residency Unveiled

September 28, 2023

September 28, 2023

A Full Flavor Coffee Experience With Dessert Meant For Savoring  By Dolores Quintana Blue Bottle Coffee, a well-known specialty coffee...

Rebranded Breakfast Burrito Specialist Still Eyes 2023 Santa Monica Opening

September 28, 2023

September 28, 2023

Earlier This Year, It Was Reported the Restaurant Will Expand in a Different Time Frame Than Initially Expected By Zach...

Women’s Surf Film Festival Making California Debut in Venice

September 27, 2023

September 27, 2023

With an Array of Storytelling From Both Artists, the Festival Spotlights Inspiring Narratives of Female Surfers. The Women’s Surf Film...

Free “Masters of Dance” Workshops and Classes Open by SMC

September 27, 2023

September 27, 2023

It Features a Lineup of Master Classes and Educational Workshops Led by Accomplished Dance Professionals The Santa Monica College Dance...

Samohi Orchestra Program to Host Annual Fall Benefit Concert

September 26, 2023

September 26, 2023

Audience Will Be Enchanted With Pieces From Movies Including Aladdin, Harry Potter and Howl’s Moving Castle The nationally recognized and...

Hollywood Twist: Writers Guild Strikes Gold with Extraordinary Deal

September 26, 2023

September 26, 2023

WGA Members To Vote On Ratification of the Tentative Contract  By Dolores Quintana  After The Writers Guild of America (WGA)...

Film Review: Amerikatsi

September 26, 2023

September 26, 2023

FILM REVIEWAmerikatsiUnrated117 MinutesReleased September 8, 2023 A storyline predominantly based on voyeurism is not a new cinematic concept, and here...

Film Review: Bottoms

September 26, 2023

September 26, 2023

FILM REVIEWBOTTOMSRated R91 MinutesReleased August 25th Welcome to a new generation of breakout stars of American comedy who make the...

Hotel Workers Go On Strike in Santa Monica Amid Negotiation Standstill

September 26, 2023

September 26, 2023

The Union Is Urging Hotels to Instantly Increase Hourly Wages By Zach Armstrong Santa Monica hotel workers at Fairmont Miramar,...