William "Billy" Smith
Name: William "Billy" Smith
Age: 15
Gender: Male
Race: Race unspecified
Date: 10/12/2006
Location: 5150 Rudgate Cir.
Sterling Heights, Michigan, 48310
County: Macomb
Agency: Sterling Heights Police Department
Cause of Death: Gunshot
Intended Use of Force: Deadly force
Media summary: At about 9:15 p.m., police responded to the Rudgate Manor mobile home park after a woman reported that her 1989 Pontiac Grand Am was being stolen. According to police, 15-year-old William Smith hit a squad car and tried to squeeze the Pontiac between two mobile homes, but wound up crashing into some wooden flower pots. Three officers reportedly pointed their guns at Smith and told him to get out of his car. Smith allegedly revved the engine and pointed a toy handgun at the officers, who shot him. Assistant prosecutor James J. Langtry decided the shooting was justified. Langtry said Smith may have committed "suicide by cop," claiming that officers found rap lyrics in Smith's home that seemed to suggest he wanted to be fatally shot by police.
Unique ID: 21094
News article: Link
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