Los Angeles County is expected to settle, in the amount of nearly $3 million, a wrongful death lawsuit for the deputy-involved shooting of a man in Canyon Country.

In Jan. 2016, Miguel Hernandez was fatally shot during a traffic stop after his vehicle matched the description of a suspect wanted in a road rage incident the day before, according to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office.  

After their investigation, D.A’s officials found Deputy Nathan Gillespie “acted in self-defense” in terms of criminal charges, but the civil lawsuit for wrongful death is set to be paid out at $2.7 million.

The shooting took place Jan. 14, 2016, as Gillespie was working as a patrol officer in a one-man marked patrol vehicle in Canyon Country.

Gillespie, believing the car matched the description of the road rage suspect, followed the vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop.

The driver of the Lexus, later identified as Miguel Hernandez, turned on his signal as if to turn into a parking lot entrance of a townhouse, then turned the signal light off and continued proceeding forward.

Hernandez turned on his signal light again but failed to turn an additional two or more times, according to the D.A.’s report.

When Hernandez reached Nathan Hill Road, he turned left (west) and pulled his vehicle over to the north curb line. Gillespie stopped his patrol car offset to the driver’s side in close proximity to the rear of the Lexus.

“Gillespie quickly exited his patrol car with his duty weapon in his right hand, pointed at the Lexus,” said the report. “Gillespie ordered Hernandez to turn off the vehicle engine as Gillespie approached the front bumper of the patrol car.”

Hernandez suddenly exited the driver’s side door of the Lexus, with only the left side of his body visible to Gillespie. Gillespie ordered Hernandez to show him his hands.

“Hernandez did not comply,” said the D.A. report. “Gillespie could see Hernandez’ left hand, but his right hand was concealed and moving in the area of his right hip/waistband. Hernandez was wearing baggy clothing, and had what appeared to be gang tattoos on his head, which was shaved.”

Hernandez’ appearance, demeanor and actions, as well as the vehicle he was driving, caused Gillespie to believe that Hernandez was the suspect from the road rage incident the day before.

In a memo to the Board of Supervisors, Sheriff’s officials acknowledged Gillespie’s actions contributed to the confrontation. The deputy failed to call for backup or take time to assess the situation, and instead “put himself in danger when he approached the vehicle.”

Gillespie continued to order Hernandez to show him his hands. Hernandez did not comply, and quickly turned towards Gillespie while moving his right hand.

“Fearing that Hernandez had retrieved a gun and was about to shoot him, Gillespie fired one round from his service weapon, striking Hernandez in the left shoulder,” said the report. “Hernandez fell face-first to the ground.”

As Gillespie moved to Hernandez to handcuff him, he noted that the windows of the Lexus were tinted. Upon reaching Hernandez, Gillespie placed his knee on Hernandez’ back and handcuffed him. Gillespie did not see any object in Hernandez’ right hand. Gillespie then radioed for assistance.

Hernandez was transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Deputy Medical Examiner Yulai Wang performed an autopsy and attributed the cause of death to one gunshot wound to the left shoulder, which perforated both lungs.

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