WOODVILLE (KMJ) — Footage from body worn cameras has been collected for review following the fatal shooting of a 17 year old in Woodville.
The incident took place Sunday evening, at a home close to the intersection of Avenue 160 and Road 168. Deputies were called to the scene around 8pm after reports of a fight among family members. They were told that the 17 year old had threatened to kill himself and his family.
“At one point, when deputies arrived, the 17 year old grabbed his 11 year old little brother and held him hostage with a knife,” detailed Ashley Ritchie with Tulare County Sheriff’s Office.
“At that point, deputies feared for the 11 year old’s life, their own lives, and they did shoot the 17 year old and he did end up dying of his injuries.”
Tulare County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed to KMJ News that body cam footage was collected during the incident, but will not be released to the public as both the victim and the suspect are juveniles.
In a statement, Sheriff Mike Boudreaux confirmed that he has seen the body cam video, and that the 11 year old’s life was saved by the officer who fired at his 17 year old brother.
“This was a life-threatening and quickly collapsing situation that the officer did not create. The violent suspect in this situation forced the officer to take the action, which no doubt saved the life of the victim.
“My heart is devastated for the family who is having to live out this absolute nightmare, as well as our Deputy who will certainly carry the events of last night with him for the rest of his life.”
An investigation by Porterville Police Department has begun. One deputy with Tulare County Sheriff’s Office has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of officers’ inquiries.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
