Police officers in Los Angeles fatally shot a teenage boy who had an electric airsoft gun, according to a news release.
Bodycam footage released earlier this week showed the officer-involved shooting of 19-year-old Luis Herrera. Police arrived at the teen’s home at around 1:20 p.m. after Herrera called them repeatedly. On the 911 calls, he allegedly claimed his father was drunk and physically abusing him and his mother.
In the video, viewers can see the officers approach the family’s home, and Herrera comes out holding “what appeared to be a black rifle,” said the Los Angeles Police Department in the press release. “Hey! Hey! Hey! Put that down!” said one of the officers. Herrera seemingly ignored the officers’ commands, and that’s when the officers tried to cover behind a corner.
“Herrera shouldered the rifle and pointed it at the officers, resulting in an (officer-involved shooting),” the press release continued. Officers then unleashed gunfire, hitting the teen and sending him to the ground.
During the incident, the father tried to intervene and told the officers that Herrera’s gun was a toy. However, the cops told him to go back inside the home. The teen was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following an investigation, no evidence showed the teen’s parents were involved in a domestic violence situation. The officer identified as Luis Navarette – who fired the shots – has been placed on administrative leave.
