Family seeks answers from CHP in fatal Irvine officer-involved shooting

IRVINE, Calif. (KABC) -- The family of a man shot and killed by the California Highway Patrol in Irvine two months ago held a vigil near the spot where he died, and continues to seek answers about his death.

Mauricio Barron, 27, of Riverside, died in October after he was shot by a CHP officer on the 5 Freeway.

Officials said Barron was running in the northbound lanes on the freeway near Barranca Parkway, then crossed over to the southbound lanes and was struck by a car.

The CHP says Barron was still on his feet when CHP officers arrived. They say he claimed to have a gun and assumed a shooting stance before he was shot by the officer.

Barron's family has hired an attorney who has filed a claim of excessive force against the CHP. They are also demanding to know more about the investigation.

They say they had notified authorities earlier that day in Riverside and Irvine that they were concerned about his well-being.

"Why did the cop do what he did?" said Karla Barron, Mauricio's sister. "Why did law enforcement do what they all did, knowing the situation from almost 11:00 in the morning, that whole day."

The shooting remains under investigation by the CHP and the Orange County District Attorney's Office.