ADELANTO – A unanimous federal jury awarded $27.35 million to Steffon Barber after a San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy used deadly force without justification at his Adelanto home in 2021.

The jury found deputy Christopher Alfred acted unreasonably and negligently when he fired six shots at Barber without warning.

The shooting left Barber wheelchair-bound, with lasting physical, psychological, and financial impacts.

On April 27, 2021, deputies responded to a call regarding a reported disturbance involving Barber. Neighbors had reported a potential confrontation at his residence. 

Deputy Alfred arrived alone and fired at Barber as he slowly exited his driveway in his vehicle.

Evidence showed the deputy could have repositioned, contradicting the defense’s claim that he had no chance to avoid shooting.

Conflicting statements in the deputy’s interviews, depositions, and testimony weakened the defense’s credibility, according to Barber’s attorney.

The $27.35 million award includes $7.25 million for past pain and suffering, $18.25 million for future pain and suffering, and $1.85 million for future economic losses.

Barber’s attorney Rodney S. Diggs said the verdict is a powerful affirmation that constitutional rights do not stop at the end of a driveway.

“The jury carefully weighed the evidence and held law enforcement accountable for a shooting that never should have happened. While no amount of money can restore Mr. Barber’s health or mobility, today’s verdict provides him with dignity, security, and a measure of justice,” Diggs said.

Sheriff says DA determined shooting was justified

In a statement, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said the case “reflects the complex and often difficult circumstances deputies face when responding to rapidly evolving incidents.”

“The District Attorney previously determined the shooting was legally justified and a criminal jury convicted the plaintiff in this case of assault with a deadly weapon leading to imposition of a state prison sentence of more than a decade. However, the civil jury reached a different conclusion under a separate legal standard,” the statement said.

“The Sheriff’s Department remains committed to continuous evaluations of training and tactics to uphold public trust and constitutional standards and we remain dedicated to transparency, accountability, and protecting the rights of the communities we serve,” the department said.

Barber was also represented by lead trial counsel Dale K. Galipo.

RELATED: Arrests made in the death of 14-year-old Victorville youth