CHP Officer Earl Harwood Scott, 36, was killed on February 17, 2006, during a pre-dawn traffic stop on Highway 99 near Salida, California. At about 4:30 AM he pulled over a vehicle for speeding; while obtaining the driver’s registration, Scott was shot in the head. A passing motorist saw the officer fall and the suspect’s car speed away, then turned around and called authorities and helped identify the fleeing vehicle.

Columbus Junior Allen II was later arrested and charged in the killing. He initially told police his car had been stolen and that he was not involved, but prosecutors said the evidence against him was strong. In August 2010 Allen pleaded guilty to murder and received life in prison plus three years with no possibility of parole; as part of the plea he gave up the right to appeal. Investigators at first said it was unclear whether others were involved, but Allen was the only person charged.

Scott had served with the CHP for five years and came from a family with multiple CHP sergeants among its members. Does anyone have additional details about the stop or the witness who reported the fleeing car?