An off-duty LAPD officer fired his gun during an altercation with a 13-year-old Latino boy and group of teens in Anaheim, California, allegedly because one of the teens walked on his lawn on their way home from school, sparking protests in the area community protested the case.
Video has surfaced of the situation and the teen, Christian Dorscht, was identified by his parents in it. The officer has not yet been identified and is on 72-hour leave while officials investigate.
The police officer has complained in the past about the teens, who go to a high school nearby, walking on his lawn. Allegedly, the cop verbally attacked a fellow student of Christian’s for walking on his lawn and Christian came to her defense. The video shows Christian struggling with the man who didn’t identify himself as a police officer. The officer—who is not in uniform—won’t let go of the teen. The officer claims the boy said he was going to “shoot” him, but the boy said the man misheard him, saying that he would “sue” him.
Based on the video, Christian was put in handcuffs when the police arrived on the scene. According to the Anaheim Police, he is facing charges of battery and making criminal threats. Another teen was also arrested. The officer was not.
Protesters took to the streets Wednesday evening, chanting and marching. They also tried to protest at the police officer’s house, where riot police were stationed for his protection. Police ordered protesters to disperse and about 100 people remained. Twenty-four of them were arrested, including six teens.
Note: The video contains some harsh language.
