The encounter starts as a traffic stop, maybe over a broken taillight or an expired registration.
Most times it ends with an annoyed driver clutching a ticket and cursing the officer, themselves, their bad luck or maybe all three.
But sometimes it doesn't end that neatly. Sometimes the traffic stop turns into a car chase. Which turns into a car crash. Which turns into a foot pursuit. Which turns into a struggle in someone’s yard.
Which turns into a police shooting.
Things can spiral in moments. And a police officer's split-second decision during that frantic dance can set a nation ablaze.