Violence Across the Nation
Violence is increasingly more prevalent as time continues, as unfortunate as it is. In addition, police involved shootings are also becoming more prevalent. There already have been many times where police have been in the wrong when using their weapon against someone.
As a result, people all across the nation have been doing what they could to bring awareness to this issue, and to make sure that there is a fix for it within the near future. However, unfortunately, there seems to have been nothing that has changed, as there was once again an officer involved shooting that took the life of a teenager.
What Exactly Occurred?
Police approached two juveniles, for what was supposed to be routine stop. However, things turned deadly in a matter of seconds. One of the teens fled the police, and it was said that officers had seen what looked to be a handgun. As a result, officers discharged their firearm, and after hitting the teen, a ground struggle ensued. After getting transported to the hospital, the teen eventually succumbed to his injuries. The teen was only thirteen years of age.
In addition, it was also mentioned that the officers recovered a replica handgun at the scene as well. “Officers then recovered a replica GLOCK 17 handgun with a detachable magazine, but it was ultimately determined to be a pellet gun,” according to Observer-Dispatch.
The Future of Violence in America
Many believe that officers could have handled the situation a bit differently, likely using their tasers to detain the teen. His family is absolutely devastated, as their cries were heard within the room in which the Utica Police Department went into details about what happened at the scene. There is a hope within the near future that officers are able to de-escalate the situation in a manner that does not involve taking someone’s life.
Written by David Loran Jr
Sources:
The New York Times: 13-Year-Old Boy Shot and Killed by Police After Chase
Observer-Dispatch: Utica police involved in shooting that killed 13-year-old male. What we know.
Featured Image Courtesy of Elvert Barnes’ Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Subhash Roy’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License