Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your tax-deductible donation now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Teen Shot By LAPD 'A Tragedy,' Toy Gun Mistaken For Beretta
Photo by ~db~ via LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
Photo by ~db~ via LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck has called the shooting of a 13-year-old Glassell Park boy carrying a pellet gun a "tragedy," reports the LA Times. "This is a tragedy for all involved, but in particular for the young man injured in this police shooting and for the officer who believed that he was protecting himself and his partner from a real threat," Beck said in a statement.
At night and with exact dimensions, the pellet gun was mistaken for a Beretta 92F. Beck continued, "We have seen far too much heartbreak involving these types of realistic-looking guns that are labeled as toys."
According to the LA Times, the incident occurred on the 3000 block of North Verdugo Road just before 8 p.m. on Thursday evening. LAPD officers on routine patrol stopped to investigate three pedestrians in the middle of the street. The teens ran and one ending up behind a van. Based on the 5-foot-7, 200-pound frame, officers assumed he was a "young adult male." The boy refused to comply instead producing "what was later found to be a fake Beretta 92F handgun." The officer fired his gun, striking the 13-year-old.
LAFD responded, taking the boy to a hospital where he was listed in critical but stable condition after undergoing surgery. The other teens -- ages 13 and 14 -- surrendered their fake handguns and "were detained without incident." In total, three fake weapons were recovered from the scene.
Detectives have determined that the boys "had been playing in the dark street, shooting pellets at one another with the fake handguns," reports the LA Times. No criminal charges are anticipated against the juveniles.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
