Gerardo “Jerry” Estrada, a 30-year-old skateboarder, was a beloved son and brother who brought joy to the Highland Park community. Tragically, he lost his life when an LA Police Department (LAPD) vehicle collided with him along Figueroa Street. The incalculable loss came against the backdrop of a street fair in that same neighborhood this past Saturday that highlighted community fears over police violence, impunity and haste.
Estrada, gentle spirit and film-and-media-loving soul that he was, had just recently graduated from Santa Monica College. He spent the next few years working at Wurstküche, a beloved beer garden outpost in LA’s repurposed industrial arts district. Friends and family members envisioned him as a lovely person with an encouraging spirit who was forever ready to extend a hand.
All witnesses reported that Estrada began advancing on the officers. Then unexpectedly, a police cruiser hit him in the face on a 90 degree angle. Dashcam video from their vehicle recorded the few seconds leading up to the crash. Listen in the audio to hear one of the questioning officers shout “Watch out!” right before impact.
“Male, not conscious, not breathing.” – an officer at the scene
Despite immediate calls for assistance from onlookers, who shouted phrases like “What the fuck is wrong with you?” and “Do something! There’s somebody fucking dying,” Estrada was pronounced dead at the scene.
At the time of the collision, LAPD officers were responding to a call concerning a person with a felony warrant and were tasked with setting up a perimeter. While an investigation continues into what happened, family members say the officers were speeding and have told HD Media they are extremely frustrated by what happened.
“He was a great person, a great son, brother, uncle,” – Rosa Cazares, Estrada’s mother
Alberto Cazares, Estrada’s brother, said the police need to be held accountable.
“We want justice. We want them to take responsibility for what they did … To kill him on impact, in front of a carnival. They were speeding. What if it was a couple of kids crossing the street?”
The tragic collision incited public outcry from community members who came together on Wednesday to mourn the loss of Estrada’s life. There has been widespread public and expert outcry demanding an investigation into the officers’ actions, particularly their approach to escalation.