Another tragic day in which using an replica gun to scare off pursuing police ended in the snuffing out a young man’s life. Last September 14, 2016, police in Columbus, Ohio have reported that a 13-year old boy was shot dead while they were in pursuit of robbery suspects after pulling out an BB gun from his waistband, leading the pursuing officers to open fire.

It will always be a losing proposition for anyone who thinks that using a replica gun (BB gun or airsoft gun) to commit a crime is a good idea. The criminal will always either end injured or dead when police respond with force. In the case of brandishing an realistic looking gun, it will always be met with deadly force even if the airsoft gun itself is not lethal at all. That’s the inherent risk in carrying an airsoft gun in public since it is very much realistic that it can be mistaken for the real thing.

In this case, the deceased was carrying an Umarex 9XP/40XP CO2 pistol that can fire .177 pellets equipped with a laser sight as shown in the photo below that was posted by the Columbus Police Department. It is not an airsoft gun, but you get the idea that the deceased will get the same result if it were an airsoft gun.

Criminals who do not have access to real guns will try their luck using replica guns that can be easily bought at big box stores such as Walmart. Even if the suspect is a minor, any responding police officer will respond to protect his/her life and those around her if a gun is pulled out, even if it is a replica. Sadly, in this case of the boy, who has been identified as Tyree King, made a bad decision to think he can get away from his pursuers by thinking that they will stop in their pursuit if they see the replica gun he brought along.

Photo: Umarex 40XP Blowback BB Pistol (Source: Columbus Division of Police on Facebook)

Here is the news report from the Columbus Division of Police on Facebook:

***3rd UPDATE 6:30am (news release)

Public Information Office
September 14, 2016
Suspect Killed After Armed Robbery

Columbus Police are investigating a police involved shooting as a result of an armed robbery in the area of S. 18th Street and E. Capital Street.

On September 14, 2016, at approximately 7:42 pm, officers were dispatched to the area on the report of an armed robbery involving multiple suspects. Upon arrival, the victim told officers a group of individuals approached him, one of them brandishing a gun, and demanded money.

Officers observed three males matching the descriptions in front of 33 Hoffman Street and attempted to speak with them, when two of the males fled on foot. Officers followed the males to the alley in the rear of 27 Hoffman Street and attempted to take them into custody when one suspect pulled a gun from his waistband. One officer shot and struck the suspect multiple times. The male was taken to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead at approximately 8:22 pm. The officers and other suspect were not injured.

Crime Scene Search Unit detectives processed the shooting scene and collected what appeared to be a handgun. Upon further inspection, it was determined to be a BB gun with an attached laser site. The gun was recovered and transported to the Columbus Police Property Room. Witnesses to the robbery and to the shooting were interviewed by investigators.

The suspect has been identified as thirteen year old Tyree King. The male with Tyree King was identified, interviewed and released pending further investigation. Additional suspects are being sought. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Columbus Police at 614-645-4624.

(As in all police involved shootings, the involved officer(s) will receive mandated psychological support counseling. Officers are also afforded an opportunity to take leave time to assist in recovery from a traumatic experience. This incident will be investigated by the Critical Incident Response Team (made up of specially trained investigators from the Homicide Units). The final investigative package will be forwarded to the Columbus Division of Police Firearms/Police-Involved Death Review Board and the Chain-Of-Command for review.)

**2nd UPDATE 10:55pm Officers responded to the area on the report of an armed robbery. Officers chased several suspects on foot to a nearby alley where one suspect was shot. He was transported to Nationwide Children's Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The investigation is underway.

*UPDATE 9:55pm The suspect was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTING: 8:25pm 9/14/16

We are investigating an officer involved shooting on E. Broad St.

1 person was shot and taken to Nationwide Children's Hospital in critical condition.

No officers were injured.

We have no more info to release at this point when we do we'll pass it along.

Teaser Photo: Columbus Ohio Police Ford Interceptor Utility by Raymond Wambsgans.)