The Missouri Highway Patrol and the Blue Springs Police Department are investigating an officer-involved shooting, in which a teenager died on Wednesday.
According to investigators, a 16-year-old white male, pointed a weapon at Blue Springs police before he was shot and killed around 5 a.m. on the 1500 block of southwest 20th Street.
"He was the one who used forced towards them so [the officers'] only recourse was to protect themselves from serious injury or death," said Sgt. Bill Lowe of the Missouri Highway Patrol.
According to the initial reports, officers responded to a call of a “prowler” at the residence.
A press release from the state highway patrol revealed the teen made the initial 911 call for law enforcement assistance and remained on the phone with the call center throughout the incident.
During the course of the investigation, a suicide note was found inside the house, state troopers said.
The victim's family was home during the shooting.
According to the family's pastor, they are still trying to figure out why this happened.
"The shock and pain of losing a child and dealing with the circumstances, it's very difficult," said Richard Steensma of Timothy Lutheran Ministries.
The victim was a student at Blue Springs South High School. The Blue Springs School District released the following statement in response to his death.
“We are saddened by the loss of one of our students at Blue Springs South High School. Additional support was available today and will be in the coming days for students and staff coping with this loss."
Following standard protocol, the two police officers involved in the shooting are on paid leave until the investigation is completed. The Missouri Highway Patrol has taken over the investigation.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Services are available in English and Spanish. Call 1-800-273-8255 or visit http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/.
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