Vallejo

Vallejo Police Officer Who Fatally Shot Sean Monterrosa Terminated

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The Vallejo Police Department is moving forward with plans to fire a police officer who shot and killed an unarmed man while responding to reports of looting during a 2020 protest.

The department is not releasing the officer's name, but the family of the man he shot said it is Detective Jarrett Tonn.

NBC Bay Area is told the officer was called into the police station on Monday morning and was given the news he was being terminated. Sean Monterrosa's family said it is something that should have happened a long time ago

"They're definitely happy I called them to give them the news," said Melissa Nold, a civil rights attorney representing Monterrosa's family.

Nold said the family is feeling a sense of relief after learning Tonn has been terminated.

Tonn was responding to a call of looting in June 2020 when he fired through the windshield of an unmarked police car after mistaking a hammer in Monterrosa's sweatshirt for a gun.

"They're' getting a little bit of justice that a lot of families never do get," Nold said. "They're definitely appreciative the chief is doing the right thing."

The police department said they fired the officer after an independent investigation concluded he violated department policy by using unreasonable deadly force, failing to deescalate the situation and not activating his body worn camera. But not everyone is convinced by that conclusion.

The police officer's association said it will fight the decision to terminate Tonn.

"To have this third-party company come in and investigating this -- it's paid for by the city," Vallejo Police Officer's Association President Michael Nichelini said. "I don't know about its objectivity. It's a concern when you can buy the outcome you want that they're relying on."

Nichelini called the firing unwarranted. He points out a separate court hearing concluded the officer should not be fired, a recommendation he said the police chief should have followed.

"One person should not be able to have unilateral power over the livelihood and employment status of a police officer in today's day and age," Nichelini said.

The decision now goes to arbitration and it could be months before a final determination is made.

Nold hopes the termination sticks.

"When you're allowed to get away with murder and misconduct it sends the message to other officers they can get away with whatever," Nold said. "So hopefully one person accountable is the start to holding everyone accountable."

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