LOS ANGELES, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- Los Angeles Police officers shot and killed a 14-year-old boy who allegedly fired shots at them as he ran from the scene of gang-related vandalism, police said Wednesday.
Jesse James Romero, who would have turned 15 on Aug. 24, has been identified as the teen killed by police during the chase, Los Angles County coroner's office said.
Gang Enforcement Detail officers responded to a vandalism and narcotics call in the LA suburb of Boyle Heights Tuesday evening and promptly had to chase down two teenage suspects.
"These officers did indeed see a handgun in the hands of the suspect when they were chasing him," LAPD Detective Meghan Aguilar said.
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A witness saw one of the teens fire at the officers, LAPD Deputy Chief Robert Arcos told reporters.
During the pursuit, an officer fired at and hit Romero, who died at the scene. A loaded revolver has been recovered and is being process for fingerprints, DNA and will also be tested if it was fired Tuesday evening.
The investigation will also include footage taken from the officers body cameras. No officers were hurt in the incident.
The second suspect was not armed and later arrested by police, Arcos said.
"While the loss of life is particularly tragic, it is particularly so when the loss involves a youth," Arcos said. "The tragedy of this event cannot be understated. In a community where violent crime continues to rise, particularly gang crime, this event underscores the need for youth programs and outreach, which could provide opportunities and alternatives for the youth of our community."
