In a tragic case that sparked outrage and questions about police conduct, the family of Robert Brown, a 28-year-old biracial father, received a $4.9 million settlement following his fatal shooting by a San Bernardino police officer in December 2023.
Brown was shot and killed after fleeing a traffic stop and allegedly tossing a gun over a fence before climbing over it. However, Brown’s attorneys accuse the police of planting the gun, as it was not found until 30 minutes after the shooting.
What Happened During the Shooting?
Officer Jackson Tubbs, a motorcycle cop, tried to pull Brown over for a vehicle code violation. Brown refused to stop and fled. Bodycam footage shows a chase through several blocks before Brown abandoned his car and ran into a backyard.
Police say Brown dropped something—later identified as a gun—before scaling a fence made of wooden and chain-link sections. Tubbs fired five shots through a gap in the fence, hitting Brown.
Dispute Over Whether Brown Was Armed
Body camera footage is unclear on whether Brown actually threw the gun over the fence or if he ever pointed it at the officer. The lawsuit claims Brown used both hands to hop the fence and never brandished a weapon.
The family’s lawyers say the gun was planted by police and that the shooting was unjustified.
Graphic Details and Aftermath
Brown was found sitting on the ground with his hands visible when the officer ordered him to lie face down. Despite repeated commands, Brown struggled to breathe and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
His family described his death as painful and gruesome, criticizing the police response and use of force.
Allegations Against San Bernardino Police
Brown’s sister, Victoria Brown, filed a federal lawsuit accusing the police of:
- Unreasonable seizure and use of excessive force
- Battery and negligence
- Falsifying evidence and police reports
- Delaying medical treatment, leading to Brown’s death
The lawsuit also criticizes Police Chief Darren L. Goodman, accusing him of encouraging aggressive tactics that violate citizens’ rights and rewarding unconstitutional conduct within the department.
Background and Broader Context
Brown was driving a car registered to his father, Willie Brown, who has no criminal record. The police claim Brown had an outstanding arrest warrant, but this information would not have been visible during the initial stop.
Willie Brown told ABC 7,
“He didn’t deserve to die like that. He ran, so what? To shoot him in his back?”
The incident echoes a 2022 case where San Bernardino police shot a 23-year-old Black man, Robert Adams, in the back, resulting in a $4 million settlement.