AUSTIN—Police say one of their officers shot and killed a black teenager in a North Austin neighborhood Monday.
The victim was naked in the middle of the street and authorities described him as suspicious and aggressive.
Neighbors told police the man was acting erratically. When police arrived, the officer gave the teenager repeated orders but he did not comply.
Investigators say the man charged toward the officer.
"The incident then goes off the frame, but you can hear continued commands from the officers. Ultimately, you can hear shots being fired,” said Asst. Chief Brian Manley, of the Austin Police Department.
The teenager was taken to a Round Rock hospital and pronounced dead. Investigators say the officer did not use his Taser.
"We never understand on these cases why you push the issue, you force the issue and a young black man is dead,” said Austin NAACP president Nelson Linder.
Neighbors say they heard at least two gunshots and then saw a man lying in the street.
"I don't know what happened, but everyone views situations from their slant, and I just worry because he was a black, young man. I don't know what he was doing. It was broad daylight, and he was shot and I don't know why,” said Austin resident Myneeka Holloway.
Police are not releasing the identity of the officer or the victim.
UPDATE:
Austin Police have identified the teenager as 17-year-old David Joseph, who was not armed. They also identified the officer involved as Officer Geoffrey Freeman.
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