http://www.todayonline.com/World/EDC120106-0000026/Texas-police-shoot-dead-boy,-15,-who-was-carrying-air-pistolBROWNVILLE (Texas) - A 15-year-old boy was shot dead by the police in the corridor of his school on Wednesday, after he refused to lower what looked like a handgun.
It turned out to be an air-powered pellet gun that closely resembled the real thing.
Before the confrontation with the police at Cummings Middle School in Brownsville, eighth-grade student Jaime Gonzalez (picture) had walked into a classroom and punched a random boy in the nose for no apparent reason, Acting Police Chief Orlando Rodriguez said.
Two officers fired three shots, striking Jaime at least twice, he said. The autopsy results are pending.
"He had plenty of opportunities to lower the weapon ... and he didn't want to," Mr Rodriguez said.
The shooting happened during first school period. Teachers locked classroom doors and turned off lights, and some frightened students dove under their desks. They could hear the police charge down the corridor and yell "put the gun down" before several shots were fired.
The authorities declined to share what Jaime said before he was shot, while investigators said they do not know why he pulled out the air pistol.
The boy's father, Mr Jaime Gonzalez Sr, said he had no idea where his son got the gun or why he brought it to school. He said his son seemed to be doing better in school than before and was always helpful around the neighbourhood, mowing neighbours' lawns and helping fix other kids' bicycles.
Both Mr Gonzalez and his wife, Noralva, questioned why the police repeatedly shot at their son and called the shooting unjustified.
"Why was so much excess force used on a minor?" he asked. "Three shots. Why not one that would bring him down?"
Mr Rodriguez said his officers "took the necessary action to protect themselves and the other kids". AP
