Motorcyclist Dies After Assaulting Officer, Grabbing Taser in Newport Beach

On Thursday April 17, 2025, at approximately 9:15 p.m., a Newport Beach Police Officer was traveling eastbound on West Coast Highway. The Officer stopped at a red light in the number one lane at the intersection of Superior Avenue and West Coast Highway, when he noticed a motorcycle was also stopped at the red light in the number three lane. The motorcycle then continued through the intersection, disregarding the red light. The officer initiated a traffic stop and the motorcycle pulled over on West Coast Highway, East of Superior Avenue.

The motorcycle rider was later identified as 45-year-old Geoffrey Stirling. After the stop, the officer exited his vehicle and approached Sterling on foot. As he neared, Sterling got off his motorcycle. The officer issued multiple commands, instructing Sterling to sit down, but he failed to comply. The officer then radioed for backup and at that moment, Sterling advanced toward the officer and a physical altercation occurred. During the altercation, Sterling struck the officer several times in the head and then removed the officer's taser from his duty belt. At one point Sterling placed the taser against the back of the officer's head. The officer was able to break free and as Sterling pointed the taser at him, an officer-involved shooting occurred.

Seconds after the officer-involved shooting, additional officers arrived on scene and formulated a plan to take Sterling into custody and begin administering medical aid. A few minutes after the shooting, the Newport Beach Fire Department arrived on scene and took over medical treatment. Sterling was transported to a nearby hospital where he passed away. The officer was later treated and released from a local hospital for injuries sustained during the incident. A civilian police employee was on a ride-along at the time of this incident who remained in the vehicle and uninvolved.