Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies mistakenly shot and killed a teenager when a bullet ricocheted off the pavement during a dog attack, they say.
The 17-year-old died when a "skip" round struck him in the chest at around 03:40 local time on Thursday.
Two officers fired shots at the dog, which moments earlier had bitten one officer's knee. It had been restrained by the boy, but had broken free again.
An officer was also hit in the leg by a bullet fragment, investigators say.
Los Angeles Sheriff Captain Christopher Bergner said Armando Garcia-Muro's death was "an extremely, extremely unfortunate incident".
"Our initial impression was [the deputies] didn't even see the individual coming around from the side of the building," he said during a press conference near the location where the shooting occurred in the city's Palmdale neighbourhood.
Armando was about to enter his final year of high school.
"He would give his life for anybody... He was a very loving person", the boy's mother told the LA Times, adding that he loved dogs.
Cpt Bergner said the dog was an adult male pit bull, weighing approximately 65lb (29kg), and was 5-7ft away from deputies when they opened fire.
He said that five officers had arrived at the residence on Thursday morning after receiving reports of a loud party.
The dog attacked deputies, who then retreated to call for backup and medical support, but it then attacked again, officers stated.
After being struck by bullets, the dog retreated, and officers following to be sure that it was contained and unable to attack again.
That's when they discovered Armando's body, about 30ft (10 metres) behind where the dog had been.
Deputies provided medical aid at the scene. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he died.
The dog, which survived the shooting, has been euthanised.
Latest Stories
-
Herman Suede is set to release ‘How Dare You’ on April 24
4 hours -
Heal KATH: Kuapa Kokoo, Association of Garages donate 120k to support project
4 hours -
KNUST signs MOU with Valco Trust Fund, Bekwai Municipal Hospital to build student hostel
4 hours -
The influence Ronaldo has on people, Cadman Yamoah will have same on the next generation – Coach Goodwin
5 hours -
Gender Advocate Emelia Naa Ayeley Aryee Wins prestigious Merck Foundation Awards
6 hours -
South Africa bursary scandal suspects granted bail
6 hours -
Ecobank successfully repays $500m Eurobond due April 18
6 hours -
Re: Doe Adjaho, Torgbui Samlafo IV, call for Unity among Paramountcies in Anlo
6 hours -
Extortion and kidnap – a deadly journey across Mexico into the US
6 hours -
Rihanna says fashion has helped her personal ‘rediscovery’ after having children
6 hours -
Development Bank Ghana targets GH¢1bn funding for commercial banks in 2024
7 hours -
Shatta Movement apologises to Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled after backlash
7 hours -
Sammy Gyamfi writes: Tema-Mpakadan Railway Project; A railway line to nowhere
8 hours -
Bright Simons: Is the World Bank saving or harming Ghana?
8 hours -
CAF Cup: RS Berkane banned from entering Algeria because of a map of Morocco with its Sahara
8 hours