A 12-year-old boy who according to police was armed has been shot and seriously injured in the stomach in an “officer involved shooting” at a recreation center in Cleveland, Ohio. The boy’s weapon turned out to be an air gun “resembling” real pistol.

The shooting happened around 3:30 pm at Cudell Rec Center located at 1910 West Boulevard, after police responded to a distress call about a male allegedly threatening people near the center with a gun.

Police Patrolman's Association president Jeff Follmer said “the 12-year-old had a weapon,” according to Newsnet5 Cleveland, and he allegedly refused officer commands and reached into his waistband before being shot by an officer “relatively new” on the force.

According to Cleveland police statement, upon arrival on scene, officers located the suspect and advised him to raise his hands.

“The suspect did not comply with the officers’ orders and reached to his waistband for the gun. Shots were fired and the suspect was struck in the torso,” the statement reads.

RT