Fatal police shooting of 15-year-old in Fraser, Michigan: new details released

The Macomb County Sheriff's Office has released new details on the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old boy in Fraser, Michigan, on 30 May. The teen's family calls the shooting "unjustified."

Macomb County sheriff releases details on fatal Fraser shooting of teenager

The Macomb County Sheriff's Office has disclosed new information about the fatal police shooting of a 15-year-old boy in Fraser, Michigan, according to clickondetroit.com.

The shooting took place on Saturday, 30 May, at approximately 5:30 p.m. in the 17000 block of Breezeway, near 13 Mile Road and Groesbeck Highway. Investigators say the teenager was allegedly carrying a knife at the time, and that body camera footage shows Fraser officers deploying Tasers before opening fire.

Dispatch audio reveals the lead-up

Dispatch audio obtained by Local 4 shows that a grandmother called police after picking up her grandson from the police department earlier that day. She told dispatchers the teen was upset because she would not allow him to use the phone.

"Caller is advising they picked up their grandson from the police department. Currently upset that she is not allowing him to use the phone," a dispatcher relayed to officers.

The grandmother also reported that the teen had one hand behind his back and she did not know what he was holding. She told dispatchers she felt uncomfortable and was waiting for police at a neighbour's home.

Neighbours told Local 4 that the teen lived with his grandmother and that police had previously been called to the address, including earlier that same day. Neighbour Christine Bone said officers had responded to the home at least twice before.

"Twice prior to today and today, they have been out; this is the third time now," Bone said.

Bone also described what she heard moments before the shooting: "Heard a lot of yelling and then somebody yelling 'just shoot me, just shoot me, just shoot me' four times."

Family describes a mental health crisis

In a GoFundMe posted by relatives, the teen is described as having been in a "severe mental health crisis" at the time of the incident. The family characterised the shooting as "unjustified."

"We are currently waiting for further details from investigators, but what we do know is devastating and unacceptable," the family wrote.

Local 4 attempted to contact the family for comment but received no response.

The Fraser officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, in line with standard protocol. The Macomb County Sheriff's Office is leading the inquiry, and investigators are currently reviewing body camera footage requested by Local 4.

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)