© Screenshot via CBS 2 in Los AngelesPolice shooting victim Kendrec McDade, 19.
At a press conference Wednesday in Pasadena, California, police announced that they have arrested a man who called 911 earlier this week, claiming he'd been robbed at gunpoint by two black teens. Police responded to the incident with deadly force, killing 19-year-old college student Kendrec McDade after he fled from officers.
The 911 caller, Oscar Carillo, allegedly admitted under questioning that he lied about the firearm to trigger a faster police response.
Police claim that once they cornered McDade, he reached for his waistband. Believing he was armed, two officers opened fire and hit the teen multiple times. He died a short time later at Huntington Hospital.
Speaking to reporters, Pasadena Police Chief Philip Sanchez insisted that the 911 call had "set the minds of the officers," who were then looking for someone matching McDade's description.
Sanchez called McDade's killing "absolutely tragic," adding that under questioning following his arrest, Carillo admitted he lied about the weapon.
No stolen goods or a firearm were found on McDade, but another suspect has been charged with burglary and theft. Carillo was arrested on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter, and the two officers involved in the shooting have been placed on leave.
This video is from CBS 2 in Los Angeles, broadcast Wednesday, March 28, 2012.
This is madness!