By Police1 Staff
LOS ANGELES — California sheriff’s officials were met with angry residents after an officer-involved shooting of a 16-year-old deputies said had a gun.
The Los Angeles Times reports that on Sunday, two Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call about a young man who pointed a firearm at a driver. The caller said he feared for his life.
https://twitter.com/abc7carlos/status/961437214436605952
The department said deputies encountered 16-year-old Anthony Weber, who matched the description of the gunman, and spotted a firearm tucked into his pants. Officials said the deputies ordered Weber not to move, but the teen ignored the commands and fled to an apartment complex known as a gang hangout.
The teen turned toward the deputies and one of the LEOs fired about 10 shots, striking Weber “several times” in the upper body. The department said a crowd of neighbors that swelled to 30 or 40 people flooded the complex after the shooting.
Deputies believe the gun that was on Weber went missing during the commotion.
On Wednesday, sheriff’s officials held an emergency meeting at a church after the shooting and were met with angry residents, including Weber’s father, John Weber.
“Where’s the gun? Where’s the gun?” John asked officials. “I know where the bullets are — they’re right in my baby’s back.”
Tensions flared at the meeting following a comment by Capt. Chris Bergner. As a packed crowd jeered officials, Anthony’s brother, also named John, asked the panel whether there was a “flaw” in the system and whether the family and community were “due something.”
https://twitter.com/PowerDignity/status/961492117720784898
Bergner reportedly replied “absolutely not,” which was met with outrage and eventually ended the meeting. The sheriff’s department said in a statement that Bergner couldn’t hear the question being asked because of the loud noise. The department said Bergner heard “Don’t you think we are doomed?”
“That is the only reason why he replied ‘Absolutely not,’” the statement said.
The department said its hoping to speak with more witnesses as it continues its investigation. The gun has not been located.
https://twitter.com/Newzysteph/status/961426826533814272