By Joanna Putman
Police1
APPLE VALLEY, Calif — The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has released body camera footage from the fatal officer-involved shooting of a 15-year-old wielding a bladed gardening tool, KCAL reported.
The March 9 incident occurred when 911 callers reported that Ryan Gainer, 15, was using the 5-foot-long tool to assault family members and damage property, according to the report. Video shows that Gainer confronted deputies when they arrived at the home.
In the video, one deputy can be seen approaching the front door of the residence. As he nears the door, Gainer can be seen running toward the deputy with the tool in hand, apparently unprovoked. The officer begins to back away.
The video then includes body camera from the second deputy to arrive at the scene, who was standing several yards away from the door as the first deputy approached it. The footage shows Gainer emerging from the home and running at the first deputy, who then turned around and pointed his gun at Gainer.
The second deputy then raised his weapon and pointed it at Gainer. At least one of the deputies fired shots, striking Gainer, after the provided body camera footage cut out, according to the report. The deputies rendered medical aid until an ambulance arrived to take Gainer to the hospital. He later succumbed to his injuries, according to the report.
The incident is under investigation.