Isaac Castellanos alleges that he was struck in the right eye by a projectile fired from 60 to 90 feet away.
A 22-year-old college student and professional esports athlete is suing the City of Los Angeles in federal court, alleging a less-lethal round fired during the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series celebration permanently destroyed the central vision in his right eye. The high-stakes trial is set to begin April 7 before U.S. District Judge Otis D. Wright II.
Isaac Castellanos alleges that just after midnight on Oct. 28, 2020, he was standing with friends near West 11th and Hope streets in downtown Los Angeles, about two blocks from what was then Staples Center, when LAPD officers advanced on the crowd. As people fled, he turned to locate a friend and was struck in the right eye by a projectile fired from 60 to 90 feet away.
He received emergency treatment for a traumatic eye injury marked by central vision loss and persistent mydriasis. In January 2021, physicians told him the damage was permanent.
The suit asserts violations of the First, Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, the California Bane Act and common-law assault, battery and negligence.
“At no time did plaintiff present a threat of danger, violence, or self-harm,” the complaint states. “And at no time did plaintiff hear the LAPD issue an order to disperse or leave the area.”
Castellanos’ attorney, Pedram Esfandiary of Wisner Baum, painted a stark picture of an innocent fan caught up in a moment of celebration — not confrontation.
“This young man was peacefully celebrating a historic sports moment,” Esfandiary said. “He walked away with a catastrophic injury that will affect him for the rest of his life. This case is about accountability, and about ending the LAPD’s dangerous practice of firing projectiles into civilian crowds.”
Castellanos’ attorneys argue the claims fall under Monell, contending the shooting was the foreseeable result of longstanding policy failures. The complaint cites prior settlements and court orders limiting use of less-lethal weapons, including litigation stemming from the 2007 MacArthur Park incident, and alleges the department failed to implement mandated reforms.
The suit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, injunctive and declaratory relief, and attorneys’ fees. The city denied Castellanos’ tort claim on Sept. 1, 2021.
