A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot by Santa Ana police Sunday evening during a family disturbance, authorities reported. The incident occurred after officers responded to reports of a person under the influence causing destruction and allegedly stabbing another individual.
The shooting took place around 10:30 p.m. in the 3400 block of South Main Street. Police were dispatched following a 911 call from a man who stated his girlfriend's son was exhibiting erratic behavior, destroying property, and had stabbed him. Officials confirmed the teen was armed with a knife upon the officers' arrival.
According to a police news release, officers engaged the teenager, resulting in the shooting. The 16-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. Santa Ana police spokesperson Natalie Garcia indicated that officers' primary objective in such domestic situations is de-escalation, stating they "did the best they could to de-escalate that situation... from occurring into something fatal."
No law enforcement officers sustained injuries during the encounter. The Santa Ana Police Department's Homicide Unit, Internal Affairs Division, and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the shooting. Authorities have urged anyone with information pertinent to the case to contact the Santa Ana Police Department.
