Trigger warning: This article contains footage that readers may find distressing
Police in San Diego have released bodycam footage showing an officer fatally shooting a 16-year-old boy.
Posting to Facebook, The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) wrote:
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“The videos contain graphic images and language. Viewer discretion is advised," SDPD explain.
“The San Diego Police Department is committed to being open and transparent with the public. The following video is of a critical incident regarding an officer-involved [Jan. 28] shooting.”
Konoa Wilson, 16, was shot by Officer Daniel Gold in the downtown area of the city.
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Footage of the incident shows Wilson at a train station, when he is approached by two people.
One of them takes out a gun, leading Wilson to flee the station and run in the opposite direction.
As he is running, he turns a corner where he encounters Gold.
Gold's bodycam captures the teenager running out of the station, moments before the officer fires at Wilson and then announces, 'San Diego Police'.
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The footage was also shared in the Facebook post in a bid to 'remain transparent and 'open' with the public.
While receiving medical treatment, it is reported that a firearm was found on Wilson.
Gold was believed to be in the area responding to an unrelated incident.
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Wilson received medical attention and was taken to a local hospital, where he died.
Police Chief Scott Wahl said: “We recognize incidents like this have a deep impact and can create emotion and concern among family members, the officer involved, the department and our community as a whole.
"While it’s never easy to watch this kind of footage, our department remains committed to transparency and ensuring a fair, thorough, independent investigation.”
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Tributes have been pouring in for Wilson, with a candlelit vigil held for the teenager on Friday (21 February).
“He’ll never be able to get married or finish high school or go to college or had kids, and it’s senseless. He was a good boy," said Konoa's cousin, Lila Silva.
“Anybody could be turning that corner. Anyone of us, and you would be shot dead, all because you were turning that corner.
“We were together everyday of his life," said Konoa's father, Steven Wilson.
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“It’s a total nightmare, can’t be real. How can you be such a highly-trained officer, and do that mistake?”
Following the tragedy, a GoFundMe has been set up by the family.
UNILAD has reached out to SDPD for comment.
Lucy Devine