Probe begins in fatal shooting of boy by officer

CLEVELAND (AP) — A 12-year-old boy has been fatally shot by Cleveland police after brandishing what turned out to be a replica gun, prompting a legislator to call for such fakes to be brightly colored.

Tamir Rice died from his wounds Sunday, a day after officers responded to a 911 call about someone waving a “probably fake” gun at a playground.

Deputy Chief Ed Tomba says one officer fired twice after the boy pulled the fake weapon from his waistband but had not pointed it at police. It was an “airsoft” type replica that resembled a semi-automatic handgun. Police say the orange safety indicator had been removed.

State Rep. Alicia Reece says she’ll introduce a bill to require BB guns, air rifles and airsoft guns sold in Ohio to be brightly colored or have prominent fluorescent strips.

Category: International