Questions raised about police shooting in Mojave Desert city

BARSTOW, Calif. (AP) — Family members and attorneys are disputing the official account of a fatal police shooting of a 26-year-old black man during a traffic stop this month in Barstow, California.

Diante Yarber was shot April 5 as he allegedly drove the car toward officers in the Mojave Desert city. The incident was partially recorded on cellphone video.

Attorney S. Lee Merritt, who represents Yarber’s family, tells the Los Angeles Times the car was barely moving.

San Bernardino County authorities say Barstow officers responding to a report of a suspicious vehicle believed the driver was wanted for a crime involving a stolen vehicle and attempted a traffic stop.

According to the narrative, Yarber reversed into a police car, then accelerated toward officers and hit a second police car, prompting officers to fire.

___

Information from: Los Angeles Times, http://www.latimes.com/