police shootingStockton – 19-year-old Rocco Robinson of Stockton was killed by Stockton police officers after a foot chase during which he allegedly dropped a loaded handgun and attempted to reach for it on September 9, 2025.

Incident Details

At around 6:09 p.m., SPD officers conducted a traffic stop at Doray Court and Pixie Drive. This escalated into a foot pursuit when Robinson fled. During the chase, he dropped a loaded handgun. As officers followed, he allegedly attempted to retrieve the firearm—prompting them to open fire. Emergency responders, including CPR by officers and first aid, were administered at the scene. Robinson was taken to a local hospital, where he would later be pronounced deceased.

A multi-agency investigation has been launched involving the Stockton Police Department, the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigations, and the California Department of Justice. 

Legal Perspective on Use of Force

Under California Penal Code § 835a, law enforcement is allowed to use deadly force only when necessary to prevent imminent death or serious bodily injury. Key questions raised in this case include:

  • Did the suspect’s attempt to retrieve the firearm pose a credible lethal threat?
  • Were de-escalation options feasible before using lethal force?
  • Did officers follow departmental guidelines and training regarding foot pursuits and weapon recovery?

Seeking Accountability for Officer Involved Shootings

In A Police Shooting Incident, Why Is a Bullet Trajectory Analysis Important?

In a typical officer-involved shooting, the shooting officer(s) will attempt to justify their use of deadly force by claiming the person shot was an “imminent threat” to the officers’ safety, stating further that he either squared off with them, made a furtive gesture, reached for his waistband, or even reached for a gun or a weapon. However, police officers are trained that deadly force can only be used when objectively faced with an immediate threat of deadly harm or serious bodily injuries. Bullet trajectory analysis can either confirm or discredit a shooting officer’s version of the shooting by placing the decedent’s position away from the shooter. For example, when a person is shot in the back, it contradicts any claims that the suspect was charging the officer with a knife in his hand. Well-trained civil rights attorneys can pick up on these contradictions and help you win a shooting case when only one side of the story has been told.

If you or a loved one has been impacted by police misconduct or an in-custody incident such as this one involving Rocco Robinson, contact The Sehat Law Firm at (949) 825-5200 for a free consultation, or complete the form at the bottom of this page to discuss your case with our legal team.

Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and should not be considered legal or medical advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary, and any referenced here may not apply to your situation. This article was created from secondary sources and may not be completely accurate. If you have any concerns, please contact us, and we’ll update or remove the post as needed.