Police: California officer wounds suicidal teen pointing replica gun
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A California police officer shot and injured a suicidal 15-year-old boy who pointed a replica handgun at him, authorities said Tuesday.
The boy was shot after officers in Santa Rosa responded to a 911 call late Monday about a man with a gun in a city park, police Lt. Michael Lazzarini said.
The boy briefly got down on the ground before rising up and pointing the replica handgun at the officer, Lazzarini said.
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While taking cover, the officer fired several shots, striking the teen once in the foot. Officers said the boy made the 911 call and had a suicide note saying he wanted police to kill him.
"Tragically, it appears the boy orchestrated this whole thing," Lazzarini said.
Police declined to identify the boy, who is recovering in a hospital and receiving psychiatric care. The name of the officer who fired the shots was not immediately released.
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In 2013, a Sonoma County deputy shot and killed a 13-year-old boy who was carrying a pellet gun that looked like an assault rifle.
The death of Andy Lopez prompted protests complaining of police mistreatment in communities of color. The teen's family also filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit against the county and sheriff's department.
A federal judge earlier this year ruled that the lawsuit can go forward. The county is appealing.