Bodycam video released after 15-year-old with autism killed by authorities in California
A California teen with autism was fatally shot after a sheriff responded to a report of violence at his family's home.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department arrived at the home around 4:50 p.m. on Saturday after a report was made that the boy, Ryan Gainer, was assaulting family members and damaging their property.
When officers arrived, Gainer ran towards them holding a 5-foot-long bladed garden tool, at which point authorities shot at him, police said.
Authorities released body camera footage showing what immediately preceded the shooting of the 15-year-old boy, who died at a local hospital shortly after. Here's what to know about the incident.
911 call, bodycam footage released
The 911 recording, obtained by the Victorville Daily Press, a part of the USA TODAY Network, includes a man yelling in the background, while the caller tells dispatchers that the suspect, described as an African American with a “teal jumpsuit,” was assaulting a family member.
The caller said the suspect broke a window and was holding glass in his hand.
The caller said, “They need to, got to take him in. They got to.”
The 911 caller did not mention to authorities that Gainer was autistic.
Deputy-worn camera footage shows a deputy approaching the open front door of the home, when Gainer, holding the garden tool, ran toward the deputy.
On body camera footage, a deputy is heard telling Gainer to, "Get back or you're going to get shot."
After several attempts to get Gainer to surrender, a deputy opened fire and struck him, police said.
Deputies treated Gainer's wound until paramedics arrived. Gainer was then rushed to a local hospital where he later died.
Who was Ryan Gainer?
Gainer attended Apple Valley High School in Apple Valley, about 47 miles north of San Bernardino, according to Apple Valley Unified School District spokeswoman Zoee Widener.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Apple Valley High School sophomore Ryan Gainer,” Widener said in a written statement to the Daily Press. “Our thoughts go out to his family and loved ones.”
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Friend, lawyer gives insight into how Gainer may have felt during incident
At the time of the encounter with deputies, “I can only assume how scared he was in that moment,” Perez said. “He was easily shaken when presented with confrontation and would get scared. I can only imagine what went through his head as he heard all that commotion, and especially when they drew the gun.”
“Autism makes the world almost magnified in a way,” he continued. “I would've hoped they knew he had autism because I'm almost absolutely certain this would have turned out differently.”
Attorney DeWitt M. Lacy, the family's attorney, told CNN that at least two officers who responded to the scene were familiar with Gainer.
“They had had some background, a relationship, a rapport with the family. Or so the family thought,” Lacy told the outlet.
Lacy said that when the officer pulled out the weapon on Gainer, it made the situation worse.
“The deputy presented as a threat and definitely escalated situation,” Lacy told CNN.
Lacy said a cousin of Gainer who was at the home called authorities and told them the situation was under control after the initial call was placed, CNN reported.
San Bernardino County Sheriff posts a statement following the fatal encounter
On Sunday, Sheriff Shannon Dicus issued a statement about the shooting and sent a message to Gainer's family.
“Our social safety net for those experiencing mental illness needs to be strengthened. Our deputies handle seemingly insurmountable calls daily. Most of these calls do not end in violence," Dicus said in the statement. "However, this one ended in tragedy for Ryan, his family, and for the deputies who responded. Rapidly evolving, violent encounters are some of the most difficult, requiring split second decisions. While these decisions are lawful, they are awful in terms of our humanity. I feel for both Ryan’s family and my deputies who will struggle with this for their entire lives.”
Friends of Gainer devasted by the news of his passing
Gainer's friend and classmate Joseph Perez told the Daily Press that he was shocked to hear the news on Monday.
“Today was the first day back at school, knowing his presence would truly not be there,” Perez said. “It's heartbreaking. I'll miss him forever.”
Perez described Gainer as a “very happy person.”
“He was a very, very curious dude. Very good-hearted. He loved his friends, too. We all loved him dearly,” he said. “He was smart, kind, and very good to us, his peers.”
Perez said Gainer was an avid runner and loved technology,
"He was particularly fond of random gadgets he would have,” he said.
Perez said both he and Gainer had autism, “albeit different variations.”
“He showed compassion and related to me as I did to him,” he said. “He was a very kind and good soul. No matter what, he will always be.”
Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at [email protected]. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X @forbesfineest.