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1300+The family of a Rancho Cucamonga man who died following a traffic stop in Claremont has filed a lawsuit against the city and the two officers involved, renewing a legal fight that has stretched on for nearly a year.
What Happened to Diego Rios During the Traffic Stop
Diego Alfonso Rios, 30, died on November 28, 2025, after Claremont Police Department officers, Joshua Orona and Benjamin Alba, stopped him near Claremont Boulevard and Andrew Drive. Police said they had received reports of a man acting erratically and possibly under the influence of narcotics.
Body camera footage released in January 2026 showed officers using a carotid restraint and prone physical restraint, including a knee placed on Rios during the encounter. He became unresponsive and was pronounced dead at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center.
In February 2026, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Rios’ death a homicide, citing asphyxia as a factor.
About the Civil Lawsuit
Rios’ family had filed an earlier lawsuit and then voluntarily dismissed it in January 2026 while continuing to investigate.
The family also filed a liability claim against the City of Claremont in February 2026, alleging the officers violated Rios’ Fourth Amendment rights and ran afoul of California Government Code Section 7286.5, which bars law enforcement agencies from authorizing chokeholds or restraint techniques that create a substantial risk of positional asphyxia.
The newly filed lawsuit accuses Claremont and the two officers of excessive force and wrongful death, arguing that Rios was experiencing a mental health crisis during the stop and that officers failed to call for backup or a mental health specialist despite signs of his distress.
What Comes Next
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has continued to review the case for possible criminal charges against the officers, though no charges have been filed as of this update.
The civil lawsuit now moves the matter into court, where the family is seeking compensatory damages and accountability for Rios’ death.
Consult with an Attorney for a Wrongful Death Claim
If you or a family member has been hurt or a loved one has died during a reckless encounter, you may have legal options.
Consulting with an experienced wrongful death attorney will offer the best legal options for seeking justice.
Attorney Jeff’s law offices in the Inland Empire can help families understand their rights under state and federal law. Contact us today for a free consultation.
About the Author
JEFFREY FAYNGOR, ESQ.
Jeffrey Fayngor is the founder of Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer and an experienced personal injury attorney dedicated to representing accident victims. He earned his J.D. from Whittier College School of Law and has recovered over $120 million for injured clients. He has built his practice around helping injury victims protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.