A Black teenager was shot and killed at the hands of St. Louis officers Sunday (September 11) as he was picking up a gun he dropped, police say, per NY Daily News.
According to authorities, the incident began after police spotted a group of people, including 16-year-old Darryl Ross, with firearms outside of a gas station.
Responding officers arrived at the scene in an unmarked vehicle wearing bulletproof vests that read “POLICE” on both sides.
As Ross attempted to flee, police say the teenager tripped, dropped a pistol, and reached for it, which prompted two unidentified drug enforcement officers, one of whom is white and one of whom is Black, to open fire.
The 16-year-old died at the hospital shortly after the shooting Sunday around 11:30 p.m., police say, while the two officers were left unharmed.
The fatal incident is being investigated by the St. Louis Force Investigation Unit, a new initiative under the circuit attorney that examines use of force and police misconduct allegations.
Sunday’s shooting occurred days after St. Louis officers fatally shot a 61-year-old man who they say charged at them with a knife.
Reading about Black trauma can have an impact on your mental health. If you or someone you know need immediate mental health help, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.