Fake gun blamed in Minneapolis police shooting

Minneapolis police injured a Maplewood teen after they say he pointed a fake gun at them after a car chase.

By TERRY COLLINS, Star Tribune

Last update: March 15, 2008 - 12:17 AM

When a 15-year-old boy pointed a replica gun at Minneapolis police officers early Friday, officers fired multiple rounds and a bullet grazed the boy's face, police said.

"An inch or two closer, it could've been a serious injury if not death," Sgt. William Palmer, a police spokesman, said after a news conference at City Hall. "It doesn't get much closer than that. Not at all.

"This is a very lucky young man."

The boy is Jamil Perkins of Maplewood, according to family members. He was treated at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis and transferred to the Hennepin County Juvenile Detention Facility. His mother, Donna Walton, said the family is still trying to figure out what happened.

The three officers involved in the shooting were placed on routine administrative leave. Two of their names were released Friday: Jeff Kading, an officer since 2000, and Brandon Kitzerow, an officer since 2002. The name of a third officer wasn't released because he's a witness, Palmer said.

Police were in the area of Park Avenue S. and E. Lake Street shortly after midnight when they spotted a vehicle that Palmer said had been carjacked on Monday.

The officers tried to get the driver to pull over, but a chase ensued. The car turned into an alley near 29th Street and Park Avenue and three teens jumped out and ran. Three officers, including a K-9 officer, entered the alley and began looking for them.

The officers fired at Perkins, who Palmer said pointed the fake gun at them.

In October, the Minneapolis City Council passed an ordinance making it illegal to carry replica guns and airguns in public.

Perkins could face assault charges, Palmer said. Another boy, 16, who was the alleged driver, was later arrested and could be charged with fleeing the scene and operating a stolen vehicle. A 17-year-old girl also was taken into custody but was later released.

Perkins' older brother, Delaneo Tillman, said his brother had previously been in minor trouble with police. He said his little brother would have likely gotten into a stolen car, "but he wouldn't carry a gun. So something is wrong."

Terry Collins • 612-673-1790

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