A 16-year-old boy was shot and killed by police in Santa Ana, California, on Sunday night after he allegedly terrorized his mother and her boyfriend with a knife. The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. in the 3400 block of Main Street, according to the Santa Ana Police Department.
Police Response to Family Disturbance
Officers responded to a call reporting a family disturbance. A man stated that his girlfriend's 16-year-old son, believed to be under the influence, was damaging property inside their apartment and had stabbed him with a knife.
When officers arrived, they encountered the teenager, who was still armed with the knife. An officer-involved shooting occurred, and the teen was pronounced dead at the scene. No officers were injured.
Police Statement
Santa Ana police spokesperson Natalie Garcia said, “Our officers were presented with a very complex situation. Our concern in a family dispute like that is just to de-escalate and try to get the cooperation of all parties involved, regardless of age. Unfortunately, in the situation, the 16-year-old was armed with a lethal weapon, and our officers engaged him, and that’s when the officer-involved shooting occurred.”
Investigation Underway
The Santa Ana Police Department's Homicide Unit, the Internal Affairs Division, and the Orange County District Attorney's Office are investigating the incident.
