Boy shot and killed by sheriff's deputy in Southern California

This article was written with the help of A.I. software.

Body-worn camera shows an incident that led to the shooting death of a 15-year-old Apple Valley boy.Photo byauthor (licensed under CC BY 2.0)

Deputy fatally shot a 15-year-old boy, Ryan Gainer, after he allegedly raised the bladed end of a long garden tool and charged at law enforcement during a domestic disturbance call in San Bernardino County.

The incident occurred on Mar. 9 around 5 p.m. when the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded to a 911 call at the 13400 block of Iroquois Road in Apple Valley.

The deputy's body camera captures the teenager approaching the deputy while gripping a tool or stick, as a law enforcement officer warns, "Stop! Stay back! If you come any closer, I will have to use force!"

According to authorities, the caller stated that Gainer was assaulting family members and causing property damage at the residence. This tragic event unfolded as deputies attempted to intervene in the escalating situation.

The initial deputy on the scene was reportedly faced by a 15-year-old brandishing a 5-foot-long garden tool with a "sharp blade" on one end.

“Without provocation, Gainer raised the bladed end of the tool and ran toward the deputy,” the release stated. “The deputy retreated, and Gainer chased the deputy in an attempt to assault him with the bladed end of the tool.”

That’s when authorities say deputies shot the teen.

Deputies provided medical assistance to Gainer before paramedics came on the scene. He, a 15-year-old, was quickly transported to the hospital, but unfortunately, he did not survive his injuries.

The sheriff’s specialized investigations division detectives have taken over the inquiry into the use of deadly force.