A Texas police officer fatally shot a 15-year-old boy during an investigation into a house party, police announced Sunday.
Balch Springs Police Department officers answered a call about a “raucous” house party Saturday night, police said. When they arrived on the scene, officers heard gunfire.
“There was an unknown altercation with the vehicle backing down the road towards the officers in an aggressive manner. An officer shot at the vehicle, striking a front seat passenger. The individual was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased,” a news release by Balch Springs police said.
Lee Merritt, a lawyer for the dead teenager’s family, identified the boy as Jordan Edwards, a freshman at Mesquite High School. Merritt said none of the boys in the car had a gun on them.
“They were simply leaving a party where they believed danger was, so I can’t wrap my mind around why an officer decided to shoot into the car,” Merritt explained.
The department placed the officer involved on leave and turned over the investigation to the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department, who will look into the shooting.
Police Chief Jonathan Haber apologized to the Edwards’ family and said they would keep them updated on the investigation into the shooting.
“On behalf of the entire Balch Springs Police Department, and the city of Balch Springs we express our deep, sincere condolences to the family,” Haber said, according to the Dallas News. “We will continue to reach out to the parents and keep them informed as we move forward from this point.”
The Balch Springs Police Department did not return request for comment.
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