Over 20 Sheriff's Stations to Boycott Baker to Vegas Run in Protest of Wrongful Prosecution of Deputy and Army Veteran Trevor Kirk

Los Angeles, CA - The Los Angeles Sheriff's Professional Association (LASPA) announced that more than 20 sheriff's stations across Los Angeles County, including the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Training Bureau, will boycott the upcoming Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay, the world-renowned law enforcement running event, in a powerful stand against the wrongful and politically charged prosecution of LA Sheriff's Deputy and Army veteran Trevor Kirk.

This unprecedented move underscores the growing outrage within the law enforcement community over what LASPA calls a malicious attack not just on Deputy Kirk, but on the very fabric of public safety and officer morale. Deputy Kirk and his attorney, Tom Yu, along with LASPA spokesperson Nick Wilson, are available for interviews to discuss this critical issue.

The boycott, affecting many of the county's sheriff's stations, sends a clear message: the relentless targeting of Deputy Kirk by the U.S. Attorney's Office - spurred by activist pressure and a viral video rather than facts - threatens the ability of deputies to protect themselves and the communities they serve.

Kirk, a decorated veteran and father of two, faces federal charges for simply doing his job during a 2023 robbery response, despite body-worn camera footage showing his actions were lawful, restrained, and aligned with training.

Cesar Romero, LASPA President, stated:

"LASPA stands unwaveringly with Trevor Kirk and his family through this unjust ordeal. This isn't just about one deputy — it's an assault on every law enforcement officer who puts their life on the line daily. We will not back down. Trevor has our full support, and we will fight alongside him and his loved ones until justice is restored. The Baker to Vegas boycott is our line in the sand — enough is enough."

Nick Wilson, LASPA Spokesperson, added:

"This malicious prosecution has cast a chilling shadow over our deputies. Morale is plummeting, and officers are second-guessing every move, wondering if doing their job will land them in a courtroom instead of a patrol car. In a dangerous situation, that hesitation could cost lives — ours or a member of the public. This isn't justice; it's a political vendetta against the entire law enforcement community, and we're taking a stand to say it stops here."

Tom Yu, Trevor Kirk's Attorney, said:

"Trevor Kirk is a hero, not a criminal. The evidence — clear as day on his body camera — shows he acted within the law and his training to detain a combative robbery suspect. Yet, he's being crucified while the suspect walks free and sues taxpayers. We've filed a motion to vacate this sham verdict, and if denied, we will appeal relentlessly. This case is a disgrace to justice, and we won't rest until Trevor's name is cleared."

The Baker to Vegas run, set to take place on April 5th - 6th, is a celebrated tradition uniting law enforcement agencies nationwide. LASPA's boycott reflects a broader call to action, urging leaders - including President Donald J. Trump, who has championed law enforcement, along with new leadership at the U.S. Department of Justice - to intervene and halt this prosecution.

Prior to the race, protesting deputies will hold a press conference to amplify their message and demand justice — details to follow. In addition, an alternate run, 5k for Kirk, is being held on April 6th for those who boycott.

Boycotting stations include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Palmdale

• Lancaster

• Santa Clarita

• West Hollywood Lost Hills/Malibu

• Compton Century

• Lakewood

• Crescenta Valley/Altadena

• Temple

• East Los Angeles

• Picusive

• Pico Rivera

• Lomita

• Transit Service

• Training Bureau - responsible for recruit training and advanced officer training

• Men's Central Jail

• Twin Towers Correctional Facility

• Century Regional Detention Facility

  
  

About the Wrongful Prosecution

On June 24, 2023, Deputy Trevor Kirk responded to an emergent robbery call at a WinCo supermarket in Lancaster, where two suspects had assaulted security officers. Body-worn camera footage reveals Kirk detaining one suspect without incident before approaching a second, female suspect who resisted, swung at him, and ignored repeated commands. Kirk deployed pepper spray - a mild, department-approved

tool - after a takedown to gain compliance, avoiding lethal force like a gun, or Taser. He immediately called for medical assistance, per protocol.

Despite this, a viral video sparked activist outrage, pressuring Sheriff Robert Luna to refer the case to the FBI. The suspect's charges were dropped, and she sued taxpayers for millions, while Kirk was indicted for deprivation of rights under color of law.

His defense, rooted in Graham v. Connor and detailed in the closing arguments from the trial, asserts his actions were objectively reasonable given the threat and resistance he faced. Kirk's legal team has filed a motion to vacate the jury verdict, arguing insufficient evidence, with plans to appeal if denied

LASPA demands an end to this travesty, calling it a stark warning: if officers can be prosecuted for lawful duty, no one wearing a badge is safe. The boycott is just the beginning — LASPA vows to continue fighting until Deputy Kirk is exonerated and the law enforcement community is protected from wrongful persecution.

About LASPA

The Los Angeles Sheriff's Professional Association is the voice of Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies, advocating for their rights, safety, and dignity since its founding. Committed to supporting its members and the communities they protect, LASPA represents thousands of deputies across the county's 46 stations. With over 20 stations now boycotting the Baker to Vegas run, LASPA stands at the forefront of the fight against the wrongful prosecution of Deputy Trevor Kirk, championing justice for officers unjustly targeted for doing their duty. LASPA's mission is clear: defend those who defend us.

In February 2025, a jury found Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Trevor James Kirk guilty of using excessive force after he assaulted and pepper-sprayed a woman outside a WinCo Foods supermarket in Lancaster on June 24, 2023, while responding to a possible robbery.