California cop spared charges for killing 13-year-old boy carrying toy gun

[SecularMotion]

Prosecutors in Northern California will not bring criminal charges against a sheriff’s deputy who shot and killed a 13-year-old boy for carrying a plastic replica of an assault rifle which the officer mistook for an actual firearm.

The Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office released a report on Monday concluding that Deputy Erick Gelhaus “honestly and reasonably” acted out of belief that he faced an imminent threat of death or serious injury to himself or others when he shot eighth-grader Andy Lopez in Santa Rosa, California last October.

Lopez was walking to a friend’s house carrying what his father described as a “toy” Airsoft gun, which is designed to look like an AK-47 but is only used to shoot small pellets or BBs. Gelhaus and his partner encountered the boy and claimed they ordered him to drop the supposed weapon. As Lopez turned to face the officers, Gelhaus claimed he saw the barrel of the fake gun rise up toward him, leading the deputy to fire eight rounds, hitting Lopez seven times.

The entire incident reportedly unfolded in no more than 10 seconds. The boy was pronounced dead at the scene.

http://rt.com/usa/171272-california-cop-killing-toy-gun/

[blueridge3210]

1. So what are your thoughts regarding this incident?

Can I assume from your lack of comment that you are okay with police shooting 13 year olds for holding a toy gun?

[Duckhunter935]

2. care to discuss this

per the SOP, what are your comment?

[blueridge3210]

5. Can we assume

the OP is okay with 13 year olds being shot by the police given his lack of input?

[Duckhunter935]

6. You could make that case

[Eleanors38]

3. Why isn't this in California Man group?

[gejohnston]

4. yet if it were a citizen, he would be facing prison

I'm sorry, cops should be held to the same standard as citizens.

[Duckhunter935]

7. to be fair

the AK "toy" had the orange tip removed and was made to look more like a real rifle. I will see if I can find the pictures.

[rock]

8. Perhaps even a stricter standard

After all, they are in a position of authority and power. Maybe we should expect more of them as we do our judges and politicians ( -- I slay me).

[blueridge3210]

9. Hmmm...

Still no comment by the OP. I wonder if that means he is in favor of the police shooting 13 year olds holding a toy gun?