Robert Galtman Fatally Shoots Two, Leads CHP on Lengthy Pursuit in Pomona

Robert Galtman: Pomona man taken into custody after fatal shooting and multi-county police chase

POMONA, CALIFORNIA (June 20, 2024): A Pomona man suspected of fatally shooting two people at an apartment complex on East Monterey Avenue led the California Highway Patrol on a lengthy pursuit through northern Los Angeles County on June 20, 2024. Robert Galtman, 48, was spotted traveling in a black Kia sedan on the northbound 5 Freeway and refused to yield to officers, prompting a chase that extended through Newhall and into Lancaster. The pursuit ended after CHP deployed spike strips and executed a PIT maneuver near 20th Street West and West Avenue K, bringing the vehicle to a stop. Galtman was taken into custody at approximately 7:10 p.m. The California Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the pursuit, while Pomona Police Department is investigating the underlying fatal shooting.

Liability for Los Angeles Deadly Shooting Followed by Police Pursuits

When a suspect flees law enforcement through populated areas and public highways, multiple legal obligations and sources of liability come into play. Under California Vehicle Code § 22350, the basic speed law, every driver, including fleeing suspects, is required to operate their vehicle at a speed that is safe for existing conditions. California Vehicle Code § 21658 imposes lane maintenance obligations, and California Vehicle Code § 21703 requires drivers to maintain a safe following distance. Where commercial vehicles are involved in related incidents, California Vehicle Code § 22406 establishes maximum truck speed limits, and FMCSA 49 C.F.R. Part 395 governs hours-of-service regulations that prevent fatigued commercial drivers from operating on public roads. Liability in pursuit-related cases can extend to the fleeing suspect, and potentially to government entities depending on how the pursuit was initiated and conducted.

  • Speed: Drivers operating above safe limits dramatically increase crash risk.
  • Fatigue: Hours-of-service violations put drowsy commercial drivers on the road.
  • Vehicle Failure: Defective brakes, tires, or load securement cause loss of control.
  • Distraction: Phone use or inattention leads to lane departures and rear-end crashes.

Victims and surviving family members may pursue claims grounded in negligence, wrongful death, or civil rights violations depending on the specific circumstances of the incident. California law allows recovery for economic damages, including medical expenses, funeral costs, and lost income, as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of companionship. Where government entities bear responsibility, strict procedural rules govern how and when claims must be filed.

Steps to Take After a Los Angeles Deadly Shooting Followed by Police Pursuit

According to the California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), pursuits across California result in dozens of fatalities and hundreds of injuries each year, underscoring the serious public safety risks these events pose to bystanders, motorists, and community members alike.

  • Obtain and preserve the police report and accident reconstruction report immediately.
  • Collect all surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras.
  • Preserve vehicle black box (EDR/ECM) data before it is overwritten.
  • Do not speak with insurance adjusters without legal counsel.
  • Consult a wrongful death or personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

Statute of limitations: 2 years, California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. For claims against government entities: Government entity claim deadline: 6 months, California Government Code § 911.2. Contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights.

Investigating Los Angeles Deadly Shooting Followed by Police Pursuits

We at Carrazco Law, A.P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of Robert Galtman and to all those affected by this tragic incident. Were proper pursuit authorization protocols followed by all agencies involved in the chase as it extended from Pomona through Newhall and into Lancaster? What measures, if any, were taken to warn and protect civilians along the pursuit route as the suspect traveled through multiple communities at high speed?

Do you have questions about a Los Angeles deadly shooting followed by police pursuit? Our team is here for you. Call us anytime at (800) 541-3244. Se Habla Español. Free consultation.