SANTA ROSA, California (AP) California sheriff's deputies have shot and killed a 13-year-old boy after repeatedly telling him to drop what turned out to be a toy gun, officials and family members said.
Two deputies saw the boy walking with what appeared to be a high-powered weapon Tuesday, sheriff'sLt. Dennis O'Leary said.
The replica gun resembled an AK-47, according to a photograph released by the sheriff's office. Deputies learned after the shooting that it wasn't an actual firearm, according to O'Leary.
Rodrigo Lopez identified the boy as his son, Andy, to a newspaper and said the teen was carrying a toy gun that belonged to a friend.
It wasn't clear whether the teen pointed the replica assault rifle at the deputies or made any type of threatening gesture. The sheriff's office referred calls to the Santa Rosa Police Department, which did not immediately return a call for comment.
O'Leary said the deputies fired several rounds from their handguns immediately after issuing the orders to drop the rifle. A neighbor in the area, Brian Zastrow, told the Santa Rosa Press Democrat he heard seven shots.
The teen was pronounced dead at the scene.
The deputies, who have not been identified, have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard after a shooting, O'Leary said.
