Santa Ana police shot and killed a 16-year-old boy armed with a knife late Sunday evening after responding to a domestic disturbance at a South Main Street apartment, authorities said.
Background
The incident began around 10:30 p.m., when a 53-year-old man called police reporting that his girlfriend's son was under the influence of alcohol or drugs and had stabbed him with a knife while vandalizing property inside their residence at 3400 S. Main St., according to a press release from the Santa Ana Police Department.
Officers arrived at the apartment and found the teenage suspect still armed with the knife, police said. During the encounter, officers shot the boy, who died at the scene.
The teen's mother sustained injuries during the altercation, officials said. The 53-year-old boyfriend was also stabbed and required medical attention, though his condition was not specified in the department's statement.
The Investigation
The Santa Ana Police Department's Homicide Unit is investigating the shooting, along with the Internal Affairs Division and the Orange County District Attorney's Office, police spokesperson Natalie Garcia confirmed to the New York Post.
No officers were injured during the incident, according to authorities. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not yet released body camera footage or additional details about the confrontation.
Garcia described the situation as complex, noting that family disputes present unique challenges for responding officers.
Our concern in a family dispute like that is just to de-escalate and try to get the cooperation of all parties involved, regardless of age, Garcia said. Unfortunately, in the situation, the 16-year-old was armed with a lethal weapon, and our officers engaged him, and that's when the officer involved shooting occurred.
Key Takeaways
- The 16-year-old was shot and killed by Santa Ana police at an apartment complex on South Main Street around 10:30 p.m.
- Police say the teen stabbed his mother's 53-year-old boyfriend with a knife during a domestic disturbance
- The teen's mother was also injured in the incident, according to authorities
- Three agencies are investigating the shooting: the Santa Ana PD Homicide Unit, Internal Affairs Division, and Orange County District Attorney's Office
- No officers were injured during the confrontation
What's Next
Investigators are expected to review body camera footage and interview witnesses as part of their probe into the officer-involved shooting. The Orange County District Attorney's Office will conduct an independent review of the incident once the department's investigation concludes. Authorities have not announced when additional information will be released.