Thomas McClain, a 22-year-old Eureka resident, was shot and killed by an Eureka Police Department officer on September 17, 2014, outside his home on Allard Avenue. Officers working a surveillance operation encountered McClain after observing him with another man; police say McClain reached for what appeared to be a firearm in his waistband and Officer Stephen Linfoot fired multiple shots. The Humboldt County Coroner’s Office ruled McClain’s cause of death as gunshot wounds, and the object in his waistband was later identified as a realistic-looking BB gun.

McClain’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit in federal court against the City of Eureka and the officers involved, seeking $10 million and alleging the shooting was unjustified. Witnesses, including Nichole Mottern, said McClain had his hands up and was complying with commands when he was shot, and described chaotic, conflicting officer commands. A multi-agency review concluded the shooting was justified and no criminal charges were brought.

Does anyone have information about McClain’s last hours on Allard Avenue or witnessed the encounter?