BALCH SPRINGS — Community members are asking questions about why an officer fired into a car, killing a 15-year-old boy.
According to Balch Springs police, officers responded to a report of intoxicated teenagers on a residential street in the 12300 block of Baron Drive at 11 p.m. Saturday. Neighbors said a large house party was underway at the time.
Police say when officers arrived on the street, they heard gunfire and then a car filled with passengers back towards them.
“There was an unknown altercation with the vehicle backing down the road towards the officers in an aggressive manner. An officer shot at the vehicle, striking a front seat passenger. The individual was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased,” according to a news release by Balch Springs police.
The department didn’t identify the officer involved, but it says he’s been placed on administrative leave.
Police are not identifying the boy, but friends say he was 15-year-old Jordan Edwards.
The Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office has ruled his death a homicide, due to a rifle wound to the head.
Many of his coaches and community members showed up at a news conference Sunday afternoon demanding answers from authorities and expressing frustration over a lack of information.
“Great kid. Awesome parents. He was not a thug. This shouldn’t happen to him,” said Chris Cano, whose son played football with Edwards.
Mesquite ISD released a picture of Edwards Monday morning, along with the following statement:
Mesquite ISD¹s deepest sympathies and prayers are with the family and friends of this young man who tragically lost his life late Saturday evening. He was a good student who was very well liked by his teachers, coaches and his fellow students. The entire district — especially the staff and students of Mesquite High School — are mourning this terrible loss.
Mesquite ISD¹s deepest sympathies and prayers are with the family and friends of this young man who tragically lost his life late Saturday evening. He was a good student who was very well liked by his teachers, coaches and his fellow students. The entire district — especially the staff and students of Mesquite High School — are mourning this terrible loss.Balch Springs Police Chief Jonathan Haber said he’s already met with the family of the boy and has expressed his condolences. The department immediately turned over its investigation into the incident to the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department.
It didn’t offer any further explanation for why the officer felt threatened, but Attorney Lee Merritt, who is representing the Edwards family, disputed the police account. He said there was no aggression from the vehicle. He also said none of the occupants in the vehicle were armed.
“They were simply leaving a party where they believed danger was, so I can’t wrap my mind around why an officer decided to shoot into the car,” said Merritt.
Merritt said the Edwards family wants to see police body cam footage and wants better answers for how the incident unfolded. He said one of Jordan Edwards’ brothers was also riding in the vehicle, and the driver was also 15 years old.
WFAA reached out to the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department, but hasn’t heard back on the investigation.
© 2017 WFAA-TV
“There was an unknown altercation with the vehicle backing down the road towards the officers in an aggressive manner.”
AN AGGRESSIVE MANNER? WTH???
PUSSIES… ‘in fear for their (miserable, worthless) lives’!
“The department didn’t identify the officer involved, but it says he’s been placed on administrative leave.”
No charges forthcoming… to be rehired elsewhere, AND promoted.
Only one way this will ever end…
“He said one of Jordan Edwards’ brothers was also riding in the vehicle, and the driver was also 15 years old.”
“In Texas, it is legal to drive at age 14 with a hardship driver’s license, at age 15 with a learner’s permit, and at age 16 with a regular driver’s license. At any age, you must have a valid driver’s license from any state to operate a motor vehicle in Texas.” ~ Answers.com
I get the feeling that teen wasn’t supposed to be driving. Regardless, it sounds like another cop had “shoot for thrills” day.