Police Officer Shoots Youth Who Allegedly Raised Gun

A police officer wounded a 15-year-old outside a Santa Ana elementary school Saturday after the teen-ager allegedly started to aim a gun at the officer, police said.

The teen-ager was shot in the shoulder about 3:45 p.m. and then ran across a school field where a soccer game was being played before the officer caught the youth and held him, said Santa Ana Police Lt. Jose Garcia.

The youth was treated at the scene and taken to Western Medical Center-Santa Ana, where he was listed in good condition Saturday night, Garcia said.

As is routine, the Orange County district attorney’s office is investigating the shooting to determine whether the officer was justified in firing his gun, police said.

Garcia would not identify the officer, but said he has worked for the Santa Ana Police Department for about five years.

The teen-ager and a friend were walking in the 300 block of East 1st Street when officers tried to stop the youths because they appeared “suspicious,” Garcia said. As the police approached, one youth stayed to speak with police while the second fled, Garcia said.

During the pursuit, a gun dropped from the teen’s waistband, Garcia said. The officer ordered the youth not to touch the weapon, but the youth allegedly grabbed the gun and began raising it and the officer fired, Garcia said.

The youth was caught in the 300 block of Walnut Street, Garcia said. The youth’s weapon also has been recovered, Garcia said.

He was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an officer, Garcia said.