TEMPE, AZ — Officials have decided the Tempe police officer who shot and killed a teenager as he ran away will not face criminal charges.
In an announcement Friday, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office said Officer Joseph Jaen was justified in shooting 14-year-old Antonio Arce as he ran down an alley on January 15, 2019.
WATCH: Tempe police release body camera video of shooting that killed teen
Officers responded to a neighborhood near 48th Street and Baseline to investigate a reported suspicious vehicle. Officer Jaen was one of the first to arrive and observed Arce breaking into a vehicle.
When Jaen approached, police say Arce took off from the passenger side of the vehicle and started running down the alley with what appeared to be a gun. Police say Arce ignored Jaen's commands and continued running.
RELATED: Memorial held for Antonio Arce, the 14-year-old shot and killed by a Tempe police officer
Police say Arce turned toward Jaen, causing him to perceive a threat and fire his weapon. The body camera video shows Arce never broke his stride while running down the alley and turning a corner.
Arce was found to have a replica model airsoft gun.
