Riots occurred in St. Petersburg, Florida, in 1996 following the shooting and death of an unarmed African American male teenage motorist during a police traffic stop.
Two police officers, Jim Knight and Sandra Minor, saw the gold sports car speeding on 18th Avenue S, on October 24, 1996.
In court documents, Knight says he told the driver, 18-year-old Tyron Lewis, to turn off the car's engine and show his hands.
The situation quickly got out of hand and the crowd began throwing rocks, bottles, and other items at police officers.
At least 20 people were arrested and 28 arson fires were confirmed as groups of youths ran back and forth throughout the night, throwing rocks, bricks and bottles at officers in riot gear, businesses and passing cars.
[6] After the rioting, Knight and his partner Sandra Minor were put on paid leave while investigation into their actions took place.