Teenager Shot Dead By Police
The Age
Friday December 12, 2008
A teenager has been shot dead by police in a park in Melbourne's inner north.
Three police officers fired shots at the young man after trying to subdue him with capsicum in All Nations Park, Northcote about 9.30pm.Police said they were called to the park after people noticed the youth behaving erratically with two knives they believe he stole from the nearby Kmart."At some stage the young bloke has approached the police officers. They backed off and fired shots to no effect," said Assistant Commissioner Tim Cartwright. "He has continued to approach, at which stage three of the four members then fired at the young man, fatally wounding him. He died at the scene a very short time after."He described the incident as a "dreadful tragedy". "Our condolences are certainly with the family," he said, adding that the police officers - two men and two women - were "pretty shaken". "They've foamed him, they've talked to him and they've done what they can."Local resident George said he heard five or six shots.The shooting is being investigated by the homicide squad, the Ethical Standards Department and the coroner.
© 2008 The Age