On March 10, 2016, 21-year-old Martin Hurtado was shot and killed by police officers in Long Beach, California, after a traffic stop for a car without license plates. Hurtado was a passenger; when the vehicle pulled over both he and the driver ran on foot. Officers pursued and observed Hurtado holding a handgun in his right hand. After repeated commands to stop and drop the weapon, Hurtado continued to flee, then turned toward officers and raised the gun. An officer fired, killing him.

Hurtado’s family sued the City of Long Beach and the officers, alleging excessive and unreasonable force. A federal judge later ruled the officers’ use of force was justified, and the City Attorney said the officers acted to protect themselves and the public. The case illustrates how quickly a traffic stop can escalate to a fatal confrontation when an armed person runs from police.

If anyone saw the traffic stop or the moments before Hurtado fled, please share what you remember.