Who is Carlos Pena and what happened to his business?

Carlos Pena is the owner of NoHo Printing & Graphics in North Hollywood, whose business sustained $60,000 in damages from LAPD tear gas deployment in August 2022.

Why is the LAPD being sued for business damages?

The LAPD is associated with extensive property damage to a business caused by SWAT deploying over 30 tear gas canisters during a fugitive apprehension attempt.

Can business owners sue the government for police actions?

Appeals courts have largely sided with government agencies in such cases, but the issue is complex and may reach the U.S. Supreme Court.

Home / Crime and Justice / LAPD Tear Gas Wrecks Business, Owner Seeks Justice

LAPD Tear Gas Wrecks Business, Owner Seeks Justice

1 Jan

•

Summary

Business sustained $60,000 damage from LAPD tear gas in 2022.
Fugitive escaped after SWAT deployed over 30 tear gas canisters.
Owner faces legal hurdles in bid for government compensation.

LAPD Tear Gas Wrecks Business, Owner Seeks Justice

A North Hollywood business owner is still seeking recourse after the Los Angeles Police Department's actions led to extensive damage to his business. In August 2022, law enforcement agencies pursuing a fugitive deployed over 30 tear gas canisters, causing approximately $60,000 in damage to NoHo Printing & Graphics over a 13-hour period. The fugitive managed to escape despite the operation.

While the fugitive allegedly damaged some equipment during his escape, the U.S. Marshals Service reportedly indicated that SWAT's tear gas rendered the business uninhabitable. The business owner's attempts to receive government assistance to rebuild have been met with silence from the city, according to reports.

Legal appeals thus far have favored government agencies, leaving business owners like Carlos Pena in similar situations without compensation. However, the U.S. Supreme Court may eventually weigh in on this complex legal issue, as appellate courts currently exhibit a split on the matter.