Officer Shoots 15-Year-Old Boy Following Alleged Beer Run Robbery

Police said a 15-year veteran of the force shot a 15-year-old boy accused of stealing beer from Circle K about noon Tuesday.

Officials tell ABC-7 that Sergeant Alonzo Torres, a 15-year veteran of the department opened fire on the teen after he allegedly threatened the officer with a sharp object. Sergeant Alonzo works out of the Central Regional Command Center, and has been placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigation.

The shooting occurred Tuesday at the intersection of Blanco Avenue and De Vargas Drive, just a block south of Alameda in South Central El Paso.

Police spokesman Detective Darrel Petry tells ABC-7 that at least one man allegedly robbed that convenience store near Blanco and Barcelona a fled on foot. Sergeant Torres followed a male matching description for a distance after the robbery, catching up with him in a nearby alley.

Petry said the boy threw a beer bottle at Torres, who was still in his patrol unit, then threatened the officer with a sharp object. It was at that point that Torres fired at the suspect, striking him.

Emergency crews arrived and rushed the boy to University Medical Center with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

Crimes Against Persons, the Shooting Review Team and Texas Rangers are all investing the shooting.