Boy, 16, killed in officer-involved shooting had 'desire to end his own life,' LAPD chief says

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A 16-year-old boy was apparently intent on committing suicide when he pointed what turned out to be replica handgun at police officers and was fatally shot, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck said Thursday.

Daniel Enrique Perez's name was released by Los Angeles County coroner's officials in the hours before Beck spoke at a news conference. The teen died at a hospital after the Sunday afternoon shooting.

"Based on the actions of Daniel Perez, his call to 911, a farewell note he left to his family, and some of his prior history as reported by his family," Beck said, "we believe that this officer-involved shooting was the result of his desire to end his own life."

The sequence of events that resulted in the death of Perez began Sunday afternoon when a citizen reported a man with a gun in the area of 48th Street and Ascot Avenue in South L.A., according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

At about 5 p.m., Newton Division officers said they spotted a man matching the description of the suspect being sought.

Police opened fire when Perez, an L.A. resident, turned toward them with an object in his hand and pointed it at them, Beck said.

A replica handgun was recovered at the scene, according to the police chief, adding that the muzzle's orange tip had been colored black.

Beck said body-camera video from the encounter matched the officers' narratives and that he does not intend to release the footage.

The video also refuted allegations that the man was shot while he was lying on the ground, Beck said at a Monday news conference.

"That did not happen," the police chief stated.