Family of Man Shot by Police Files Claim
The family of a man shot and critically injured by Santa Ana police this month filed a claim against the city Wednesday, alleging inadequate training for officers and excessive use of force.
Santiago Valencia Ayala, 23, was shot May 15 by police who tried to stop him on suspicion of dealing drugs. Ayala fled on foot and hid inside a home on Camille Street. Police said Ayala was shot twice after he lunged at them with a weapon. Ayala’s family and attorney said he was not carrying a weapon.
Ayala remains in the intensive care unit at Western Medical Center-Santa Ana. The Orange County District Attorney’s office is investigating the shooting.
The city has 45 days to respond to the claim, which could lead to a lawsuit. The claim seeks unspecified damages.
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