Two Eugene police officers were justified in using deadly force against a parent outside Cascade Middle School two weeks ago, according to the Lane County District Attorney.
Patty Perlow says video evidence and eyewitness accounts show 30-year-old Charles Landeros pulling a gun and firing first on the officers, who were escorting Landeros off school grounds. She says Landeros – who was involved in a custody dispute – refused to leave when asked by the school resource officers. A struggle erupted outside when the police prepared to arrest Landeros. The parent of two fired a 9-mm gun twice, narrowly missing Officer Aaron Johns.
Fearing for their lives and those of nearby students, Officer Steve Timm then fatally shot Landeros in the head.
The prosecutorsays Landeros’ daughter and two other people witnessed the shooting.
In a statement, the Civil Liberties Defense Center says the Interagency Deadly Force Investigation Team’s review is not complete, and Landero’s family will arrange an independent investigation. The CLDC adds that people of color are disproportionately victims of police violence, and that Landeros – an activist and veteran of Mexican and Filipino descent – was aware of this.
The Eugene Police Employees Association disputes that Landeros’ skin color was a factor in the officers’ response.
The Register-Guard says Landeros’ ex-wife says she appreciates the community’s support for her and her daughters, but declined further comment.
The CLDC quotes Charlie’s brother Joe as saying, “My love for Charlie is forever. I just want them back. This never should have happened.”
Copyright 2019, KLCC.
