A family is taking legal action after they say Inglewood police used excessive force during a traffic stop with their loved one, leading to his death.
The family of Bryan Bostic released an audio recording they say documents some of the moments leading up to his death following a traffic stop by the Inglewood Police Department on March 10.
“I’m going to see my mom,” Bostic can be heard answering.
“We then hear him struggling with them, pleading with them, screaming in anguish,” said attorney Denisse Gastélum.
Bostic’s family also released a witness video of the arrest near the intersection of Hillcrest Blvd and Nutwood Ave around 9:30 p.m. In the video, Bostic is face down and appears in distress as one officer is on top of him, and others rush in and keep him on the ground.
During a news conference on Monday, Gastélum said that according to witness accounts, paramedics and the coroner’s office were on scene. “That there was excessive force, causing trauma to his face, trauma to his body,” said Gastélum.
The family accuses officers of triggering a medical emergency and not taking Bostic to a hospital, adding that upon arrival at the police station, he was dead.
“We don’t know what was the cause of death. We don’t even know why he was stopped,” said Talia Castillo, a cousin of Bostic.
Before the news conference, the family delivered a claim for damages and plans to file a lawsuit against the city of Inglewood.
“The city of Inglewood has refused to comply with California mandates, providing that they must provide video, audio, witness statements, police officer statements,” said Gastélum. Inglewood police officers do not wear body cameras. The family is seeking any patrol vehicle, witness or surveillance video that may be in the possession of police.
Bostic was 37 years old and leaves behind a 13-year-old child. He was described as someone who loved nature, music and serving in his church community.
“Whatever he could do, he would be there. A kind spirit, a giving spirit,” said pastor Sherman Gordon. The family continues to call on witnesses for help with any information. Eyewitness News reached out to the city of Inglewood and the police department, but has not heard back.
