Discipline Due for Killing O.C. Suspect

A Westminster police officer who killed a hit-and-run suspect when he struck and pinned the man to a palm tree with his patrol car will be disciplined, officials said Monday.

The punishment for Officer Charles Shinn III, who has been with the department for 15 years, is undecided but will range from a written reprimand to termination. He has two weeks to review the department’s internal investigation before he meets with Police Chief Andrew Hall.

“It’s his chance to clear his name with the chief,” said Police Sgt. William Collins, speaking for the department. “How he disputes it is up to him. He may choose to dispute the facts in the case.”

Shinn has been on paid administrative leave since the Feb. 9 chase that led to the death of Hoang Tan Bui in Midway City.

The incident started when Shinn, 45, was flagged down by a motorist who reported that the man driving in front of him had fled the scene of an accident.

When Shinn pulled him over and approached his car, Bui drove away, according to reports. Shinn shot him in the shoulder, and a short chase ensued. When Bui stopped and ran away, authorities said, Shinn tried to use his patrol car to block his path, but instead hit him and pinned him against the palm tree.

Bui, a 30-year-old father of two from Westminster, died at the scene.

In August, Bui’s family filed a $14-million claim against the city and Orange County. The man’s death led to several demonstrations in Little Saigon, a predominately Vietnamese community.

In July, two months after a report released by the California Highway Patrol said Shinn acted unintentionally and accidentally, Orange County prosecutors said they would not file charges against him.

In 1989, Shinn was sued for allegedly conducting a search “in a violent and abusive manner.” The case against him and the county was settled in 1992 for $100,000. In the early 1990s, Shinn was sued for allegedly using excessive force. That case was settled for $7,500.