ASALIA, Ansleigha--A tragic case of mistaken identity has left a 16-year-old boy dead in southeastern Ansleigha.
The Lemquanast County Sheriff's Department has confirmed the teen was shot by a man who mistook him for a bear.
The teen and his 17-year-old friend, neither of whom can be identified because they're minors, were dressed in black, furry "Bigfoot" costumes as a hoax, walking around their neighborhood in an attempt to scare residents.
But 43-year-old Cesar Manones saw the two teens crawling around in some brush near his home, and believed them to be bears, police say.
Manones grabbed his .22 caliber rifle and shot at the pranksters four times from his front porch, hitting one of the boys once in the abdomen. The other boy was not struck by a bullet.
After hearing screams, Manones ran outside and then called 911.
Emergency response arrived, but the victim died at a local hospital.
Neighbors told police they saw the boys and yelled at them, telling them to stop walking around and frightening the people.
After an initial investigation, police determined Manones acted recklessly when he shot the victim.
"From the information we've seen and the witnesses we've talked to, we do not believe Mr. Manones acted prudently and reasonably," Sgt. Cal Fuller told local media.
"Homeowners are only allowed to shoot a bear if they are in eminent danger. In this case, the defendant should have called animal control or 911 to report a bear sighting rather than taking his own measures. He was not in eminent danger when he fired," Fuller said.
Manones is being charged with 3rd Degree Reckless Manslaughter. He is being held in the Lemquanast County Jail until he faces a magistrate.
Police also advised that dressing in animal-like costumes and walking in a wooded area is not safe.
"These two young men were attempting a hoax just for a few laughs. But unfortunately, this hoax had a very tragic ending." Fuller said. "People need to know that when you dress like a wild animal and walk through the woods, it's very easy for someone to mistake you for a bear or some other wild game."
The victim's identity will be released after immediate family have been notified.
The Lemquanast County Sheriff's Department has confirmed the teen was shot by a man who mistook him for a bear.
The teen and his 17-year-old friend, neither of whom can be identified because they're minors, were dressed in black, furry "Bigfoot" costumes as a hoax, walking around their neighborhood in an attempt to scare residents.
But 43-year-old Cesar Manones saw the two teens crawling around in some brush near his home, and believed them to be bears, police say.
Manones grabbed his .22 caliber rifle and shot at the pranksters four times from his front porch, hitting one of the boys once in the abdomen. The other boy was not struck by a bullet.
After hearing screams, Manones ran outside and then called 911.
Emergency response arrived, but the victim died at a local hospital.
Neighbors told police they saw the boys and yelled at them, telling them to stop walking around and frightening the people.
After an initial investigation, police determined Manones acted recklessly when he shot the victim.
"From the information we've seen and the witnesses we've talked to, we do not believe Mr. Manones acted prudently and reasonably," Sgt. Cal Fuller told local media.
"Homeowners are only allowed to shoot a bear if they are in eminent danger. In this case, the defendant should have called animal control or 911 to report a bear sighting rather than taking his own measures. He was not in eminent danger when he fired," Fuller said.
Manones is being charged with 3rd Degree Reckless Manslaughter. He is being held in the Lemquanast County Jail until he faces a magistrate.
Police also advised that dressing in animal-like costumes and walking in a wooded area is not safe.
"These two young men were attempting a hoax just for a few laughs. But unfortunately, this hoax had a very tragic ending." Fuller said. "People need to know that when you dress like a wild animal and walk through the woods, it's very easy for someone to mistake you for a bear or some other wild game."
The victim's identity will be released after immediate family have been notified.
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