Teen’s death raises big questions about police response to mental health
A Mother’s Plea Ignored: "Please Tase Him Instead"
A 15-year-old boy, diagnosed with bipolar disorder, was fatally shot by two officers during a routine apartment visit earlier this month. His family claims the officers failed to de-escalate the crisis despite knowing about his mental health struggles. Their lawyers have labeled the police response as "too quick to pull the trigger," while the family has filed a claim against the city, arguing that less force—or none at all—could have saved his life.
The boy’s mother, standing beside his supporters outside the police station with a bandaged thumb, recounts pleading with officers not to shoot. She says she screamed at them to taze her son instead—but her cries went unheeded. The family’s legal team has called the shooting "100% preventable," condemning the officers’ decision to use deadly force within seconds of arriving.
Police Version vs. Family’s Account: What Really Went Wrong?
Authorities present a starkly different narrative. They claim the call began as a family dispute, alleging the boy stabbed his mother’s boyfriend with a knife. Officers assert they repeatedly ordered him to drop the weapon—only for him to refuse. The shooting, they say, occurred within moments of their arrival. No body cam footage has been released, and the investigation remains ongoing.
A Pattern of Failed Responses: 10 Calls for Help Ended in Tragedy
This isn’t just a single, inexplicable incident. The boy’s family says they called police at least 10 times before, seeking mental health intervention. Each prior instance involved responders working alongside mental health professionals to calmly de-escalate the situation. This time, two officers arrived alone—and their approach turned deadly.
The family insists their son was not a violent threat, but a teenager in crisis, desperate for help. Now, they demand accountability, justice, and a reckoning with how law enforcement handles mental health emergencies.
