Vigil held for Ontario teen killed in 'suicide by cop' incident

ONTARIO, Calif. (KABC) -- Friends and family came together Friday night, holding a vigil and mourning the loss of 17-year-old Raul Herrera who committed suicide by cop a day earlier.

Joe Herrera said his son wanted to join the U.S. Navy and that there were no obvious signs he was planning to commit suicide.

The teen held up a Jack in the Box in Ontario Thursday night, giving money to customers and then fleeing the scene. Authorities responded to the robbery call and ended up shooting and killing Raul, who was holding a gun.

"They couldn't hold back with my son and it's OK, I understand. I hate losing my son, but I hate seeing officers hurting because I know they're hurting. I know they have families, and I love them. I love them all. There's no hard feelings," Joe said.

Herrera said his son left a suicide note at their home saying he was going to commit suicide by cop. Hundreds of people gathered for a candlelight vigil to remember Raul. His death stunned those he was close to and none of them suspected anything was wrong.

Herrera said he now recalls what may have been hints from his son: a hug goodbye and things he had said on his last day.

Friends said Raul was a smart, kind and funny person. They wore tie-dye shirts in his honor as way to reflect his colorful personality.

"For him to just do this, it breaks my heart, but God has a plan for everybody and I believe that he's in a better place. I have a guardian angel looking over me now," Raul's friend, Bryan Kelley, said.