Two Ohio teenagers stopped at a Parma, Ohio park for carrying BB guns were arrested, charged with misdemeanors, and forced to write an essay about Tamir Rice, the 12-year-old Cleveland boy who was fatally shot by police in 2014 for pointing a fake gun in a local park, BuzzFeed reports.
On July 3, a local Parma man called authorities after he saw the two teenagers walking around with what looked like guns. According to police, the teens are 12 and 15.
A video obtained by FOX8 Cleveland shows the police pulling up to the boys as they raise their hands. Authorities also order the young men not to make any sudden moves.
The bystander, identified as Jayson Gnall, told FOX 8, “My first reaction was Tamir Rice, and we called 911,” he said. “I commend Parma for a quick response, and I commend everybody for going home safe. Parents need to start talking to their kids, too, about the safety of guns. And if you’re using a toy gun, have the orange tip on.”
BuzzFeed reports:
The teenagers later admitted to disorderly conduct charges in Cuyhoga County Juvenile Court, a spokesperson confirmed to BuzzFeed News.
The magistrate overseeing the case, Je’Nine Nickerson, sentenced the boys to community service, made them pay court costs, and told them to each write essays comparing their case to Rice’s.
SOURCES: Buzzfeed, FOX8 Cleveland | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty
Ohio Judge Forces Teens To Write Essays On Tamir Rice After Brandishing BB Guns was originally published on newsone.com
