Case Background
Steffon Barber, an individual residing in San Bernardino County, was at the center of a deputy-involved shooting during the late evening of Tuesday, April 27, 2021. At approximately 11:12 p.m., Mr. Barber sat in the driver's seat of his vehicle, which he had parked in the rear of a residential driveway on the 12000 block of White Avenue in Adelanto, California. While Mr. Barber remained in his parked car, a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputy, Christopher Alfred, approached him.
The encounter turned violent when Deputy Alfred, acting under the authority of the County and the Sheriff’s Department, confronted Mr. Barber. The legal complaint alleged that the deputy lacked a warrant, probable cause, or even a reasonable suspicion that Mr. Barber had committed or was about to commit any crime. Despite the absence of a clear threat, the deputy failed to properly assess the situation and engaged in a violent confrontation.
Cause
The legal action stemmed from the deputy's use of excessive and unreasonable force during the detention. The complaint asserted that Deputy Alfred negligently assessed the circumstances and, without providing any warning, discharged his department-issued firearm multiple times at Mr. Barber. Mr. Barber’s legal team argued that he was unarmed and had made no aggressive or threatening movements that would justify the use of deadly force. Furthermore, the lawsuit alleged that the County of San Bernardino had failed to provide its deputies with adequate training in police tactics, such as de-escalation, maintaining safe distances, and using communication to reduce the intensity of encounters.
Injury
The shooting inflicted severe and permanent injuries upon Steffon Barber, most notably a gunshot wound to the back of his head. Beyond the physical trauma of being shot, Mr. Barber suffered significant and ongoing mental and emotional distress. The jury later confirmed that the deputy's use of excessive force was the direct cause of these injuries, losses, and harm.
Damages Sought
Mr. Barber filed a lawsuit seeking compensatory and punitive damages for the violation of his civil rights under federal and state law. His claims included requests for compensation for past and future medical expenses, loss of earnings, and the immense physical pain and emotional suffering caused by the incident.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff(s): Steffon Barber.
Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Dale K. Galipo | Rodney S. Diggs | Renee V. Masongsong | Brandon Tanter | James A. Bryant, II.
Defendant(s): County of San Bernardino | Deputy Christopher Alfred.
Counsel for Defendant(s): Eugene P. Ramirez | Kayleigh Ann Anderson | Angela D. Brunson | Katherine Hwang
Key Arguments or Remarks by Counsel
Claims
Mr. Barber’s attorneys argued that Deputy Alfred violated his Fourth Amendment rights by using excessive and unreasonable force. They also presented claims for battery, negligence, and the intentional infliction of emotional distress. The Plaintiff's legal team contended that the deputy's failure to follow established tactical standards such as using cover, issuing clear warnings, and attempting to de-escalate led directly to the shooting.
Defense
The County of San Bernardino and Deputy Alfred denied the allegations of liability. They maintained that they lacked sufficient information to confirm many of the factual assertions in the complaint and argued that their actions did not warrant legal liability.
Jury Verdict
The trial began on January 30, 2026, in the United States District Court, Central District of California, with Honorable Kenly Kiya Kato presiding. After several days of proceedings, the jury reached its verdict on February 9, 2026.
The jury found that Deputy Christopher Alfred used excessive force against Steffon Barber. They also determined that the County of San Bernardino had failed to provide adequate training to its officers and was deliberately indifferent to the consequences of that failure. The jury assigned 64% of the responsibility for the harm to Christopher Alfred and 36% to Steffon Barber.
The jury awarded a total of $27,350,000 in damages to Mr. Barber. This award consisted of:
$7,250,000 for past pain and suffering and emotional distress.
$18,250,000 for future pain and suffering and emotional distress.
$1,850,000 for future economic loss.
Judge Kato entered the final judgment on February 25, 2026, ordering the total sum plus costs and interest.
Court documents are available upon request at [email protected]
