Kid With Airsoft Gun Shot by Police

Teen killed by police while pointing 'military-style rifle' at drivers in Tarpon Springs

PublishedOctober 18, 2021

Updated 10:43PM

Bystander video appears to show teen yell 'shoot me' at officers

Haley Hinds reports

TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. - Police force in Tarpon Springs say a suspect, killed Sabbatum for waving a "military-mode rifle" at cars and officers, was actually a high school student with an Airsoft pellet gun.

17-year-erstwhile Alexander Rex was shot and killed past officers at the intersection of Pinellas Avenue and Tarpon Avenue shortly earlier nine:30 p.m. Dominicus.

Investigators say police responded after multiple 911 calls near a "white male wearing dark clothing pointing a military-style rifle" at passers-by.

Bystander video shows Alex King pointing what turned out to be a pellet gun at passing cars

According to Chief Jeff Immature, when the officers arrived, the suspect lifted the weapon, charged it, and pointed at the officers.

Video of the incident recorded past a bystander appears to show King yelling "shoot me" toward officers.

Florida teen shot past police after waving gun in public

Video shows the 17-yr-old pointing what appeared to be a rifle at cars. Police force say he pointed information technology at officers, too.

Taking cover behind a nearby vehicle, officers said they were forced to open fire. Male monarch was hit multiple times and was later pronounced expressionless at the infirmary.

King, a junior at Tarpon Springs Loftier School, had 22 prior run-ins with police force, 11 with other Pinellas Canton police enforcement agencies and 11 with the Tarpon Springs Police Department, including a felony arrest for battery on a school board employee in 2017 and ane for aggravated bombardment with a deadly weapon in 2018.

Social media posts by King show he got the Airsoft gun in March

PREVIOUS: Constabulary shoot, kill man pointing war machine-fashion rifle at drivers in Tarpon Springs

Meanwhile, social media posts give little insight into what might have led to Sunday's incident. Selfies posted on Instagram show Alex King smile and hanging out with friends, like whatever other teenager.

Back in March, King posted 4 photos and a video with the caption: "New Airsoft Vietnam era M14. I absolutely dearest it."

Social media posts prove Alex King with friends

Chief Young said an internal investigation is now underway to ensure proper procedures were followed, likewise equally a separate FDLE investigation. He deferred whatever questions to FDLE.

Both officers are on paid administrative leave, which is normal following an officer-involved shooting.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Alex King," Young offered. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the officers and their families every bit they, also, bargain with the backwash of this consequence."

Photos testify gun wielded by Alex Rex later he was shot by police

Grief counselors were bachelor at Tarpon Springs Loftier School for students and staff.

"The Pinellas County Schools community is saddened by the passing of one of our students at Tarpon Springs High School," schools spokesperson Isabel Mascareñas wrote. "The commune Students Services team will provide grief counselors for students and staff needing assist. Our thoughts and prayers are with the student's family unit and friends."

Loftier schoolhouse student killed by constabulary

Video shows the 17-year-old pointing what appeared to be a rifle at cars. Police force say he pointed information technology at officers, too.