A 15-year-old California boy was fatally shot by a sheriff’s deputy after charging after him with a garden tool. After it was revealed the child had autism, there are questions as to whether the officers were aware of his mental state before gunning him down.
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The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said officers responded to a 911 call around 5 p.m. reporting 15-year-old Ryan Gainer was “actively assaulting family members and damaging property” at the home. The call came from his sister who police say was in her room trying to remain calm as her brother banged on the door. By the time deputies arrived, one of them went to the front of the home to find the door open. Down the hallway came Gainer, holding a garden tool with the sharp bladed end pointed up, according to the body camera footage released by the department.
Gainer appeared to be charging toward the officer. In another clip from the other responding officer’s camera, the deputy is heard saying “Get back or you’re gonna get shot!” as he aimed his gun but then he turned and ran away from Gainer.
As he made his way closer to the officer out the front door, police say “a lethal force encounter” occurred. In translation, Gainer was shot. It’s unclear exactly when the shot was fired. Gainer died at the hospital.
It was later confirmed by family members that Gainer was autistic. However, it’s unclear if officers were aware of his mental state given the 911 caller didn’t mention it.
Read more from the Victorville Daily Press:
On Sunday night, Sheriff Shannon Dicus issued a written statement about the shooting
“Our social safety net for those experiencing mental illness needs to be strengthened. Our deputies handle seemingly insurmountable calls daily. Most of these calls do not end in violence,” Sheriff Dicus said.
“However, this one ended in tragedy for Ryan, his family, and for the deputies who responded. Rapidly evolving, violent encounters are some of the most difficult, requiring split second decisions. While these decisions are lawful, they are awful in terms of our humanity. I feel for both Ryan’s family and my deputies who will struggle with this for their entire lives.”
Gainer’s family retained an attorney, DeWitt M. Lacy, who told the media the boy was having an episode at the time of the shooting.
“The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is not telling the whole truth. These officers should be investigated and probably prosecuted for the murder of Ryan Gainer,” said the attorney in a statement.
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