A 13-year-old boy with autism from Utah is in the hospital after police who responded to his mother's 911 call fired multiple shots at the teenager.
Linden Cameron, who suffers from Asperger's Syndrome, is now in serious condition. He sustained injuries to his bowels, bladder, shoulder and ankles from the shooting in Glendale this Friday, according to news channel KUTV.
“Why couldn't you just grab him? — asks Linden's mother, Golda Barton — He's just a child, he has mental problems. »
As Burton explained, she called 911, hoping the officers would help her calm her son, who had a nervous breakdown. Upon the arrival of the police, the woman stressed that the boy was unarmed and needed medical attention.
“I said:“ He is unarmed, he is just angry and screaming ”.
The police told Golda to stay outside and entered the house, and after just a few minutes she heard the officers tell Linden to “get down to the ground” and open fire.
Salt Lake City Police Sergeant Keith Horrocks said the officers feared the teen might be armed and opened fire when he tried to escape — but for Golda, these arguments are no excuse.
“Why didn't they use tasers? Why didn't they shoot him with rubber bullets? »
“You are police officers with enormous resources. Don't say you had no way out. »
