Deputies with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department shot and killed a 17-year-old boy Tuesday. The boy, who authorities say had mental health issues, is the second to be killed by law enforcement in less than a month.
The boy was at his sister's Victorville nursing home when deputies responded to a call of an “undesirable person” at a home in the 17100 block of Forest Hills Drive around 1 p.m., according to the sheriff's office.
Police said the man locked himself in the bathroom and threatened to hurt himself when officers kicked in the door and tried to arrest him. Deputies initially spent about 30 minutes trying to calm down the situation, authorities said.
Video released by the sheriff's office shows an officer struggling with a 17-year-old boy in a bathtub, who was armed with a knife. A police officer was slashed and a deputy shot the boy, who later died at a hospital, police said.
The boy's name is not being released pending notification of his family.
San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus said at a news conference Wednesday that the man was taken to the hospital for “self-inflicted injuries” days before the shooting. The boy was supposed to be taken from the hospital to a mental health facility, but Dicas said he “escaped” and went to a home in Victorville.
“We are facing a mental health crisis, not just in this county, but throughout the state,” Dicas said at a news conference.
The incident comes on the heels of a 15-year-old autistic boy, Ryan Gainer, who was shot and killed by deputies in his home in March after allegedly threatening him with a gardening tool. His family had called for help after the boy broke a glass and hit his sister.
The March mass shooting raised concerns among activists about law enforcement's use of force against people with autism and other people suffering from mental health issues.
