L.A. County to Pay $3.6 Million To The Family of Man Shot 17 Times By Deputies

A jury awarded $3.6 million to the family of Nicholas Robertson, who was killed by Los Angeles County deputies in a controversial videotaped shooting that drew widespread attention in 2015.

According to Los Angeles Times, Robertson was carrying an unloaded handgun in December 2015 when he was confronted by deputies as he walked toward an Arco gas station near Long Beach Boulevard and Magnolia Avenue. Police have said Robertson ignored commands to drop his weapon prior to the deputies’ decision to open fire.

Footage of the shooting appears to show Robertson walking, and then crawling, away from the deputies as they let off repeated bursts of gunfire. Robertson, a married father of three, died a short time later.

Attorney Brian Dunn said in a statement that the deputies fired 33 rounds, striking Robertson more than a dozen times. Only the last two shots proved fatal, he said.