13-year-old with pellet gun shot 7 times...

[2012-1822]

First time I've seen that pic. That shouldn't be in the hands of a child on the street. Shame on the parents. I'm not saying pull that product from the market. But dad-gum, too real looking to be carrying around anywhere and not expect problems to happen.

As far as this being a race issue. I hope not. I hope those very deputies responded exactly the same way they would for anyone else. Talk to cops, they are trained to do certain things in certain situations, I'm guessing these guys fell back on their training not some emotion that said this is a kid of one color or another, so we have to shoot him.

It's time to rise up above racism in this country. I know it exists, come on, I live in Alabama. But I believe it is going to take one generation to step up and say this is it, it stops now, we will not perpetuate the thought process. Our children will not think like this. And that absolutely has to come from all sides. Racism is not magically saved for white people in the south. I have seen people of all races all over the country who had racists tendencies. You see the news when someone has to always blame something on the issue of race and that detracts from the real issues at hand. It's definitely time for that to stop.

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by PoorMansCamaro

yeah, that's the one thing that is slightly off. was it 8 shots by one cop, or 4 for each cop? I think there were two cops there...

Two officers, all rounds fired by one of them.

Does seem slightly excessive. I think that was the result of panic more than anything else.

[AZCamaroFan]

the cops always do that.

[c_LoW29]

Its a damn shame that his parents didnt give a shit enough about him to prevent him from bringing this thing out in the streets. Now a days with schools and military installations getting shot up it is not a time to neglect common sense.

[Badbubba]

If it is an airsoft gun, they remarkably look like the real thing except for the orange flash suppressor. You would be completely fooled with the 2 airsoft ARs I own, laser sight, flashlight and red dot reflex sight. One actually is licensed by Colt with Colt markings. They can also come with a completely metal body. Sad it happened and surprised it doesn't happen more often. If I'm not mistaken, one has to be 18 to purchase.

[WarMachineZL1]

Police will fire until the perceived threat is neutralized. If the kid was still standing after the first few shots, the officer is trained to continue. Not to mention the fact that in life or death situations, adrenalin is pumping and muscle memory takes over. I have numerous friends in law enforcement and have heard stories about officers continuing to "fire" even once the gun was empty.

I feel bad for the family, but as has been said here many times, the kid should not have been out in public with a gun that looks that real and definitely should have dropped it the second the police showed up.

As for excessive force, it is easy to arm-chair quarterback what should have been done or what was excessive, but I am willing to give the trained professionals the benefit of the doubt in lieu of evidence to the contrary.

[LIM3]

Probably the only one that thinks this but shouldn't have the officers fired either a warning or a none fatal body shot ?

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by LIM3

Probably the only one that thinks this but shouldn't have the officers fired either a warning or a none fatal body shot ?

No. When you squeeze the trigger you have to mean it. It's called a last resort for a reason.

[jewel25]

this is the only gun my child will have



or this

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by jewel25

this is the only gun my child will have



or this

My mother thought the same thing.

[Diode Dynamics]

I think the police officers made the right decision, however, the 7-rounds fired was definitely excessive. This is a lose lose situation, but you can't blame the police officers for doing their job.

It's bad parenting IMO, I know that and I don't even have kids yet!

Nick C.

[jewel25]

Also I will teach my children to respect police officers and listen and obey their orders.

[midnighter]

Originally Posted by upflying

Actual photo of the replica firearm. Blame goes to parents who purchased it and allowed their son to leave the home with it.

Yea, that would make anyone react fast in self defense.....it looks very real.

[PoorMansCamaro]

Originally Posted by LIM3

Probably the only one that thinks this but shouldn't have the officers fired either a warning or a none fatal body shot ?

I believe he had a hoodie on, and was facing away from the officers. when asked to drop the weapon, the kid started to turn, and raise the toy gun. I don't think officers are taught to shoot warning shots, if they fire their weapon.