The Associated Pressv
LEESVILLE, La. (AP) - A 14-year-old boy who was shot by a Leesville police officer has been charged with attempted first-degree murder for allegedly trying to stab the officer.
The boy was shot in the arm Wednesday after he allegedly attacked the officer with a knife. Officers were sent to West Leesville Elementary School after the teen allegedly threw rocks at students and teachers, then broke into a nearby church and set a fire in the kitchen, police said.
The boy, whose name has not been released, also faces charges of criminal mischief, simple arson of a religious building, simple burglary of a church and criminal damage to property. He was held in a Vernon Parish youth facility.
Leesville Police Chief Bobby D. Hickman said the officer involved in the shooting has been cleared in preliminary reports of the incident. The officer, an eight-year Leesville police veteran, is on voluntary leave, he said.
The officer is under investigation by officials with Louisiana State Police Region III after shooting the boy Wednesday, but Hickman said he thought the officer had shown good judgment.
The boy was not a student at Leesville Elementary. He was treated and released from a nearby hospital.
The officer’s name has not been released.