Anaheim police have released a 13-year-old boy from custody following public outrage and protest over videos showing an off-duty Los Angeles Police Department officer firing his gun during an altercation with the boy and other teenagers.
At a news conference Thursday afternoon, Anaheim Police Chief Raul Quezada said his decision to release the boy was “based on the totality of the circumstances.” He said the investigation is continuing and the boy and others involved could still face charges.
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He also said there was insufficient evidence to prove the officer’s actions rose to a criminal level at the time.
“As a father and as a police chief I too am disturbed by what I saw on the videos that were posted on the Internet,” Quezada said.
Quezada’s announcement comes after more than 300 people protested on the streets of Anaheim, resulting in some vandalism.
Police said they arrested 23 people for misdemeanor failing to disperse, resisting arrest and battery on an peace officer. According to Quezada, 18 adults and five juveniles were arrested.
No one was injured by Tuesday’s gunfire, but the video footage — posted on YouTube and Facebook — sparked a flurry of phone calls and emails to Anaheim police, who are investigating the officer’s actions.
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