Woodville teen killed in officerinvolved shooting

A 17-year-old was shot and killed Sunday night after police responded to a disturbance call from a Woodville residence.

Around 8 p.m. on Sunday, Tulare County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a family disturbance call at a home in the 16000 Block of Road 168 and Avenue 166 in Woodville, located in front of a church and an irrigation shop.

After officers arrived on scene, family members said the 17-year-old had been using drugs all day and became erratic, threatening to kill himself and his family while holding a knife.

At one point during the disturbance, the family had attempted to hide away by locking themselves in a restroom but the teenager was able to take an 11-year-old family member hostage. Due to the hostage situation, shots were fired by deputies. The 17-year-old died from his injuries.

“I immediately responded last night to the scene and spoke with the officer who was being treated by medical responders. I have also viewed the body camera video. This officer absolutely saved the life of the 11-year-old boy who was being held at knifepoint by his own brother,” stated Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux. “This was a life-threatening and quickly collapsing situation that the officer did not create. The violent suspect in this situation forced the officer to take the action, which no doubt saved the life of the victim. My heart is devastated for the family who is having to live out this absolute nightmare, as well as our deputy, who will certainly carry the events of last night with him for the rest of his life.”

Porterville Police Department will be investigating this incident and the investigation is ongoing.