Cleveland: Rookie Police Officer Shoots 12-Year-Old Boy Carrying BB Gun

A rookie Police Officer shot a 12-year-old boy outside a recreation center, after the boy pulled a BB gun from his waistband.

A rookie officer, and a 10-15 year veteran responded to reports of a male outside the recreation center with a gun. When they arrived at the scene the officers saw a few people sitting under a pavilion, and the rookie saw a black gun sitting on a table.

The rookie then saw the boy pick up the gun and put it in his waistband. The officer then got out of his car, and told the boy to put his hands up. The boy then reached into his waistband and pulled the gun out, and the rookie officer fired two shots.

At least one shot hit the boy in the stomach. He was rushed to the hospital listed in serious condition. His current condition is unknown.

According to Deputy Chief of Field Operations, Ed Tomba, the child did not threaten the officer verbally or physically,

Tomba also stated:

"We don't come to work everyday and want to use force on anybody," Tomba said. "That's not what our job is. We're part of this community."

Tomba also added:

"When an officer gives a command, we expect it to be followed," Tomba said. "The way it looks like right now, it wasn't followed, but we're going to continue our investigation.