LAPD Fired 90 Shots, Killed Unarmed Teen on Live TV
The Los Angeles Police Department is coming under scrutiny for the on-air shooting of an unarmed Asian teenager. According to reports, the teen had threatened police during a confrontation after a high-speed chase. An investigation is being launched into the shooting.
Last night 19-year-old Abdul Arian led police on a high-speed chase through Los Angeles. According to reports, he called 911 during the pursuit and told them he had "been arrested before for possession of destructive devices. I'm not afraid of the cops. If they pull their guns, I'm going to have to pull my gun out on them," reads the official transcript.
A police dispatcher responds by telling Arian, "I don't want you to hurt yourself." Unfortunately, Arian decided to take things to a new level and told the dispatcher, "I'm not gonna (sic) get hurt. These police, they're going to get hurt."
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As Arian attempted to make a U-turn on the highway, police smashed into his vehicle. He immediately leapt from the SUV, appearing to gesture or point an object at police, reported the Los Angeles Daily News. Police opened fire, firing at least 90 shots and killing the teen.
The whole incident played out on live TV, as helicopter crews followed Arian's vehicle and filmed the confrontation.
"The use of force was in direct response to the suspect's actions," LAPD Lt. Andy Neiman told the LA Daily news.
"The suspect took what appeared to be an aggressive 'shooting stance' several times, extending his arms out and pointing an unknown object at the officers. The suspect picked both the time and place for this tragic incident to occur," the LAPD said in a statement.
No gun was found at the scene of the incident, fueling speculation that the police overreacted to the teen's actions. Arian's uncle Hamed has spoken with reporters about his nephew and revealed that at one time, Abdul wanted to join the police force.
"This is outside of his character," he told the LA Daily News. "He was a nice kid. He was working. He wanted to be a cop and like I said before, during the chase last night, he was calling 911. He was afraid of cops. You know, he told me he wants to be a good cop, not a crooked cop," Hamed told CBS.
An investigation into the police action is underway.
"Never jump to conclusions," Peter Repovich, director at the LA Police Protective League, told the LA Daily News. "Just wait. Give them time to complete their investigation," he urged.
"It's certainly bizarre behavior, and it ended in a tragic situation for all involved," Lt. Neiman told CBS.
