Marina man shot by Seaside police taking legal action

A Marina man is taking legal action over a police shooting in Seaside.

A Los Angeles based law firm sent KION a letter saying their services have been retained by Brandon Virtue in connection with the September 20th shooting.

Attorneys J. Tooson, Jeremy Lessem, and Daniel Rubin of the firm Lessen, Newstat and Tooson LLP have taken the case.

Virtue was shot by police after a chase that started in Sand City and ended near Seaside High School.

The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office said the officer believed Virtue had a gun when the officer fired, but they also later said they didn’t find any drugs or weapons at the scene.

The law firm said Virtue was hit once in the back and early indications point to the 34-year-old father of four being paralyzed from the waist down.

“Obviously, when you find out at 34 years of age that you’re never going to walk again, there’s a tremendous amount of psychological stress, emotion, that is currently going through his mind right now,” said J. Tooson, a partner with Lessem, Newstat and Tooson, LLP.

According to the firm, Virtue’s sister said “a gifted racer will never drive again, a brilliant mechanic will never swap another engine and father of four will never be able to play catch with his kids again.”

Tosoon said he and the firm will provide support to Virtue and his family throughout the process.

The Seaside Police Chief, Abdul Pridgen said they are conducting a concurrent administrative investigation to determine whether policy and protocol were followed. He also said that the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office is conducting their own investigation, as well.

“This is an unusual event in our city and we truly care about everyone involved and their families. This was a situation we wish had not happened,” said Pridgen.

For previous coverage of this story and the dash cam video click here