15-Year-Old Boy Shot By Police In Thanksgiving Altercation

LEISURE CITY, FL — A 15-year-0ld teenager was shot by police on Thanksgiving after he allegedly became violent with his guardians.

Detective Lee Cowart of the Miami-Dade Police Department said the incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. in the 30000 block of SW 146 Avenue.

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Cowart said that officers got into a physical altercation with the teen.

"During the altercation, one of the officers discharged his firearm, striking the 15-year-old," Cowart explained. "Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded and transported the victim to an area hospital in stable condition."

Miami-Dade Police Director Juan Perez told reporters at the scene that he did not know whether the officer intended to fire at the teen or whether the gun discharged during the scuffle.

"During that physical altercation, one of the officers discharged his firearm one time," said Perez.

The officer involved in the shooting and a supervisor have been relieved of duty pending the outcome of the investigation.

Miami-Dade police did not identify the 55-year-old officer but said that he was a veteran cop with 28 years on the force.

As with all Miami-Dade police-involved shootings, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is conducting an investigation.

Photo courtesy Miami-dade Police Department