On November 19, 2013, Tyler Damon Woods, a 19-year-old from Rialto, California, was fatally shot by Long Beach police officers following a foot chase. The incident occurred after Woods fled from a vehicle stop in Long Beach, where police had identified him as having an outstanding felony warrant related to a previous armed robbery and carjacking. Woods ran from the vehicle, leading officers on a pursuit that ended on the rooftop of an apartment building.
Despite being unarmed, Woods was shot at least 19 times, including multiple shots to his back, as police believed he was reaching for a weapon.
The shooting sparked controversy, as Woods was found to be unarmed, and his family subsequently filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging excessive force. In 2016, a federal jury awarded his family $3 million in damages, acknowledging the family's loss and challenging the justification used by the officers involved. Woods' death became a focal point for discussions on police use of force and accountability, with his family and supporters continuing to seek justice and raise awareness through public efforts.
