MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Aug. 8 (UPI) -- A teenage graffiti artist in Florida died after being shot in the chest with a Taser by a police officer, officials said.
Israel Hernandez-Llach, 17, was spray-painting a shut-down McDonald's restaurant early Tuesday when he was confronted by Miami Beach police, the Miami Herald reported.
The teenager fled the scene, leading officers on a foot chase that ended when one officer shot a Taser at Hernandez-Llach.
"The officers were forced to use the Taser to avoid a physical incident," said Miami Beach Police Chief Ray Martinez.
Hernandez-Llach was shot once in the chest by the Taser and then collapsed. He was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
"The city of Miami Beach would like to extend their condolences to the family of Israel Hernandez," Martinez said.
The teen's death is under investigation by the city and the state attorney's office.
