Pico Rivera Officials Hold Special Meeting On Deputy Shooting That Killed Local Grandfather

PICO RIVERA (CBSLA.com) — Local officials Friday held a special meeting demanding answers after deputies shot and killed an innocent man last week.

Members of the Pico Rivera City Council convened at 9 a.m. to hear public comment before meeting privately with officials from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department to discuss how Frank Mendoza, 54, was fatally shot by a deputy in his home.

"We're trying to get answers and I think what we need to work toward is healing, not division," said one council member.

On Thursday, Acting Sheriff John Scott admitted that one of his deputies mistook Mendoza for 27-year-old wanted parolee Cedric Ramirez who had broken into his home and held his wife hostage.

"Believing he was an immediate threat to his partners, the deputy fired twice, striking the man and falling to the floor just inside the front door. Tragically, it was Mr. Mendoza," Scott said.

The council will meet again next week where officials plan to discuss their legal options.