James Earl Rivera Jr. |
STOCKTON -- Police in Stockton shot and killed a teenager who had escaped from juvenile hall, authorities said.
James Earl Rivera Jr., 16, escaped from juvenile hall last spring, where he was being held on suspicion of robbery, conspiracy and torture.
On Thursday, two officers and a sheriff's deputy fired on a van Rivera was suspected of having stolen at gunpoint.
Rivera was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
Officers opened fire when they believed the van was moving back toward them as they approached it on foot, according to police spokesman Pete Smith.
Police had rammed the vehicle following a chase.
Rivera's family says he did not steal the van, but bought it.
About two dozen people protested the shooting as unjustified outside police headquarters on Friday.
The shooting is under investigation.
James Earl Rivera Jr., 16, escaped from juvenile hall last spring, where he was being held on suspicion of robbery, conspiracy and torture.
On Thursday, two officers and a sheriff's deputy fired on a van Rivera was suspected of having stolen at gunpoint.
Rivera was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
Officers opened fire when they believed the van was moving back toward them as they approached it on foot, according to police spokesman Pete Smith.
Police had rammed the vehicle following a chase.
Rivera's family says he did not steal the van, but bought it.
About two dozen people protested the shooting as unjustified outside police headquarters on Friday.
The shooting is under investigation.
