KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A local coach is reacting to the death of a 17-year-old boy in an officer-involved shooting.
Overland Park police were doing a welfare check on a suicidal male. They walked up to a home in the 9300 block of W.149th Terrace when investigators say the garage door opened and a car sped towards an officer.
That's when one officer shot and killed the teen.
The Overland Park Police Department identified the teen as John Albers, 17, of Overland Park, Kan.
His family released the following statement Sunday evening:
"We are heartbroken at the loss of our beloved son, John. We truly appreciate the outpouring of support from friends, family, and community. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers and for respecting our privacy during this very difficult time. John was loved by many. Visitation is tentatively set for 1:00 - 3:00 at McGilley Memorial Chapel at 123rd and State Line Rd on Friday, January 26th. Funeral mass immediately following at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in KC, MO."
For Kansas City Soccer Club Coach Bryan Turner, it hits close to home.
"He just had a lot of personality, was eager to learn," said Turner. "I talked to him this fall. My last words to him were 'stay out of trouble if you need anything give me a call.'"
About 80 percent of Overland Park officers have taken CIT or crisis intervention training.
Neighbor Venni Koduri said the neighborhood is usually peaceful and he was shocked to see about 15 police vehicles nearby.
The Johnson County Officer Involved Shooting Investigation Team (OISIT) is conducting the investigation. It's comprised of law enforcement from several departments.
The officer involved was put on administrative leave, which is standard.
For Turner, the news was all too real.
"I try to reach out to all my kids - if it's dating, parent troubles, drama. If you want to talk to me about it, I'm here for you," said Turner.
The Johnson County Officer Involved Shooting Team continues to investigate the incident.
