Cleveland boy shot dead for waving fake gun

The 12-year-old boy died from his wounds on Sunday, a day after officers responded to a 911 call about someone waving a 'probably fake' gun at a playground.

Photo of the BB gun taken from the 12-year old boy who was shot by Cleveland police after he waved the replica gun at a playground. The Plain Dealer, Cory Schaffer/AP Photo

CLEVELAND // An investigation has been launched into the death of a 12-year-old boy fatally shot by police in Cleveland after brandishing what turned out to be a replica gun.

The boy, identified as Tamir Rice, died from his wounds on Sunday, a day after officers responded to a 911 call about someone waving a “probably fake” gun at a playground.

Deputy chief Ed Tomba said an officer fired twice after the boy pulled the fake weapon – which did not have the orange safety indicator usually found on the muzzle – from his waistband. The boy did not make any verbal threats but grabbed the replica handgun after being told to raise his hands. He did not point it at police, Mr Tomba said.

Police described the weapon as an “airsoft” type replica that resembled a semi-automatic handgun. The orange safety indicator had been removed.

State representative Alicia Reece of Cincinnati announced that she will introduce legislation to require all BB guns, air rifles and airsoft guns sold in Ohio to be brightly coloured or have prominent fluorescent strips. It is modeled after a bill signed by California governor Jerry Brown.

The two officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure. The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that the officers are a first-year rookie and a 10-year department veteran.

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