APPLE VALLEY, Calif. (Gray News) – A 15-year-old California teen with autism was fatally shot after he ran toward deputies while holding a large-bladed gardening tool.

The incident happened before 5 p.m. last Saturday when San Bernardino County deputies responded to a domestic disturbance in the Apple Valley area, according to KLTA.

Deputies said family members called 911 to report that Ryan Gainer was “actively assaulting family members and damaging property at the residence.”

The Gainer family’s attorney, DeWitt M. Lacy said Gainer became upset because he needed to do his chores, which affected his normal routine, PEOPLE reported.

Lacy also told PEOPLE that by the time deputies arrived, Gainer had become apologetic and apologized for breaking the window.

In body cam footage released, the first deputy is heard asking where the teenager was before he emerged from inside the house. Gainer ‘without provocation’ raised the five-foot-long garden tool and ran toward him.

As Gainer charged, the officer ran away and told him to get back before he got shot, according to authorities.

That’s when the second deputy shot Gainer. Deputies quickly began giving Gainer medical aid before the paramedics arrived. Gainer was taken to a hospital where he later died.

Many are criticizing the deputy’s response, saying that he used unnecessary force, while others justified his response.

The case is currently under investigation.

Copyright 2024 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.