Boy, 12, Killed After Shooting At Officers: Philadelphia Police

PHILADELPHIA — A 12-year-old boy died after being shot by police who returned fire when the boy shot at them in South Philadelphia, according to authorities.

The incident began at about 7:24 p.m. Tuesday.

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Four plainclothes officers in an unmarked video were canvassing the area of 18th and Johnston streets as part of a firearm violation investigation.

The officers saw two teens at 18th and Barbara streets, one of which was sought for questioning in connection with the investigation, police said.

When the officers tried to stop the boys after activating their lights, one of the boys, later identified as 12-year-old Thomas Siderio, fired a stolen laser-equipped 9 mm handgun at the vehicle, striking the rear passenger window, police said.

Two of the four officers got out of the vehicle and returned fire, striking Siderio once upper right back, police said.

Siderio was taken to Presbyterian Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 7:29 p.m., police said.

The other boy, 17, was stopped by police for investigation and then released pending further investigation.

Police said one of the officers in the vehicle was also taken to Presbyterian Hospital after being injured by shards of glass in his face and eyes. He has since been released.

The gun used was loaded with one round in the chamber and five rounds in the magazine.

No one else was hurt in the incident.

"Last night, a young child with a gun in their hand purposely fired a weapon at our officers and by miracle, none of the officers suffered life-threatening injuries," said Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw. "However, the life of a young man was cut tragically short, and we should all be questioning how we as a society have failed him and so many other young people like him. I ask that our community come together and be the community—the village—that we were intended to be and that our children need. I assure the public that a fair and thorough investigation will be conducted by our Internal Affairs Division. Per protocol, these officers have been placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigation."