Chris DeArman

On 01/20/23 Chris DeArman was surveilled before being approached by two SDPD officers: Christopher Aguilar and Jacob Meyers, both of which had less than 3 years of experience. After pulling over Chris DeArman, Christopher Aguilar and Jacob Meyers approached him with batons and readily showing force. Aguilar and Meyers verbally attacked Chris DeArman and were insistent on yanking him out of the truck (due to his previous history and showing a personal amount of marijuana in his possession), escalated the entire situation by using fear tactics, violating his rights despite no longer being on parole or probation, nor a 4th waiver. The officers did not uphold the 14 Amendments nor serve due process or adhere to legal search and seizure and freedom of speech laws. Aguilar and Meyers accused Chris De Arman of illegally transporting marijuana. Chris De Arman tried his best to remain respectful and fight for his rights and when he felt like he wasn’t being heard or treated fairly, he asked for a supervisor. Sergeant Rene Murillo (17 years experience) then approached stating “Get out of the car” and that they would be doing a weapons pat down based on his previous history to ensure he didn’t have any firearms.

Chris was always a very stubborn and prideful man. He knew his rights were being violated and declined to step off the truck. After realizing none of the officers were going to issue his citation for his third taillight and cause of pretext stop, he accelerated the truck, Sergeant Murillo (with 17 years experience) then pepper sprayed him in the face and a short pursuit followed. Chris drove approximately 2 and a half  blocks before stepping off the truck with his hands showing, just as he was told. He was following commands by showing his hands but had his gun in hand willing to surrender, and he was shot at by officers Christopher Aguilar and Jacob Meyers. Chris runs Eastbound as officers continue firing a total of 28 gunshots. Officer Jacob Meyers had his own personal Hollow point bullets. Commands continue to be given after Chris was shot down and verbally stating that he could not move. Sergeant Rene Murillo asked for backup and more units arrived, including K9. 

Upon arrival of K9, Sergeant Murillo approached K-9 unit and informed them that he wanted to “use their tools to move up on the guy.” K9 was deployed 11 minutes after Chris was shot, which only dragged him closer and towards his weapon. The K9 never released its bite and stayed latched until apprehension. In officer statement reports, it was mentioned now limp Chris’ body was. Chris De Arman was then rolled over and his stomach twice and apprehended. There is no footage of CPR being preformed nor AED being activated, merely a simple tourniquet was applied to his groin/waist area. Chris was shot at 11:38 pm and was announced dead at a nearby hospital (UCSD Hillcrest) at 12:24am, meaning he was left to “bleed out” for an extended amount of time! There are MANY discrepancies in the police report and case files.

The DeArman family feels that the acts of SDPD were reprehensible and are left with tragedy and despair. The battle for justice has been nearly impossible and everlasting. No legal assistance. Every door slammed in their face. No support. No answers. No accountability. The love they have for Chris far outweighs any obstacles put in their way. They will continue to fight for justice and try to make changes in policy and procedures until their last breath, in honor of their loved one gone too soon.

END PRETEXT STOPS!!

END PURSUITS FOR INFRACTIONS!!!

STOP DEPLOYING K9’s ON WOUNDED & UNRESPONSIVE VICTIMS!!!

STOP WITHOLDING MEDICAL AID FROM DYING VICTIMS!!!

END QUALIFIED IMMUNITY!!!

EVERY STOLEN LIFE DESERVES JUSTICE!!

-Patricia DeArman sister of Chris