African-American Teen Fatally Shot in North Little Rock

Little Rock police fatally shot a black teenage boy after officers say he fired at them during a traffic stop early Sunday morning. The boy friend’s said it was the classic racial profiling traffic stop.

North Little Rock police department identified the victim as 17 year-old named Charles Smith, Jr.

Smith was a senior in high school he was beloved by teacher and students at his school.

Police said the shooting occurred after officers stopped a vehicle about 1 a.m. at West 52nd Street and Camp Robinson Road. 

Officers found three people, including Charles Smith Junior, in the vehicle. Officers searched Smith, Jr. and found he was carrying a gun, according to police.

“A struggle then ensued between officers and the suspect,” the department said in a news release. “During the struggle the suspect fired at least one shot at the officers which resulted in the officers firing shots at the suspect.”

Officers provided medical treatment to the boy after the shooting, but he was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators recovered the handgun the boy had been carrying, according to police.

The officers involved in the shooting were placed on administrative leave pending an investigation, in accordance with department policy.

Statement from North Little Rock police department.

Officer’s still don’t how he got the gun and why he pulled it on them.

There was a vigil that took place on January 8th, 2018 for Charles Smith. Mitch McCoy posted about it via Twitter.

RIGHT NOW: Dozens gather on Camp Robinson near 52nd where 17-year-old was shot and killed by North Little Rock Police Sunday. #ARNews pic.twitter.com/ZZRkijXfEb

— Mitchell McCoy (@MitchellMcCoy) January 8, 2018

The shooting was the latest of several involving law enforcement officers in Arkansas over the past week.

The Graphic Footage of Charles Smith being shot can be seen down below:

This mark the 32nd person that has been killed by American police officers already in 2018. 

RIP Charles Smith Jr, our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

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