The LA County District Attorney's official report -- which can be viewed here -- indicates that narrative omits an important fact. It's not directly relevant to the DA's legal analysis that the officer had probable cause to make an arrest or its conclusion not to hold the officer criminally liable for the man's death. But it is pertinent to issues raised elsewhere about disproportionate passenger stops by LBPD..

In this case, LBPD didn't initiate the customer fare stop. LA County Metro Transit Security Officers did. They were conducting fare inspections. One of the TSO's determined that the passenger, Mr. Rodriguez, hadn't paid the fare.

Two LBPD officers, one of whom was officer Ron, had been assigned to accompany the Metro TSO officers that day. The DA's report says based on what the Metro TSO told him, officer Ron had probable cause to make the arrest. .

The DA's report then details what it says took place: .

[Scroll down for further.]

[LA County DA report text]

The DA's office conclusion that the officer used reasonable force and won't be held criminally liable doesn't end the story.

Mr. Rodriguez's family members have retained legal counsel and are pursuing a civil lawsuit seeking monetary damages.

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Later today (Aug. 29), Black Lives Natter Long Beach plans a 3 p.m. protest march from LBPD HQ (400 W. Broadway) to the Wardlow Rd. Metro Station (Pacific @ W. Wardlow Rd.) The event. announced over a week ago, is timed for the 3rd anniversary of Mr. Rodriguez's death.

The Facebook announcement by BLMLB leader Dawn Modkins states in part: "Cesar was murdered Aug. 29, 2017 after being asked to leave the train for not being able to pay $1.75." It adds "The cop illegaly searched Cesar for an ID, throwing him onto the tracks where he was struyck by a train."

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