Justice for Sean Monterrosa

Justice for Sean Monterrosa

Started
June 4, 2020
Petition to
Vallejo Police Department and 1 other
Signatures: 84,423Next Goal: 150,000
Support now

Why this petition matters

Started by Suraj Oza

Vallejo Police shot and killed a 22-year-old following a night of protests and complaints of looting early Tuesday morning. Today, Chief Shawny Williams said Sean Monterrosa was on his knees and an officer saw what appeared to be a gun in his sweatshirt. It turned out to be a hammer.

Sean Monterrosa was on his knees outside a Walgreens when a Vallejo Police Officer fired at him 5 times through his vehicle's windshield. One of those shots hit and killed the 22-year-old, who police say they believed was armed.

Chief Williams says the officer who shot Monterrosa is an 18-year veteran. Chief Williams did not release his name.

Chief Williams said the department has made many changes since he arrived including to its de-escalation policy.

"How was de-escalation used here," asked ABC7 News I-Team reporter Melanie Woodrow.

"Well I'll say this when they responded to the Walgreens the intent was to stop the looting and to arrest the perpetrators if necessary, the officers reacted to a perceived threat," said Chief Williams.

The department has 45 days to release body-worn camera video but Chief Williams says he plans to do so sooner.

"Based on your experience of 27 years was this excessive force," asked I-TEAM reporter Melanie Woodrow.

"Like I said the District Attorney is going to look at this and our internal affairs will look at it," said Chief Williams as people in the crowd began shouting at Williams who would not answer with his opinion.

The officer who fired the fatal shot has been placed on routine paid administrative leave as have the witness officers.

  • We want and demand: Chief Shawny Williams release the footage of the officers’ body cameras,
  • Have an outside independent commission be formed for the investigation of the slaying of Sean Monterrosa, and
  • The officers disciplinary records be released and made public.

If officers cannot accurately threat assess, they need to be held accountable. Protecting property is not worth the taking of human lives, especially when there is no threat presented. Releasing the video footage and disciplinary records will strengthen ties and relationships with your community and benefit the officers involved if they acted correctly in this moment, and in the past. 

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Signatures: 84,423Next Goal: 150,000
Support now
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Decision Makers

  • Vallejo Police Department
  • Chief Shawny WilliamsPolice Chief