Teen fatally shot by Calumet City police was autistic

A 15-year-old boy suffering from Asperger’s syndrome was shot dead by police Wednesday after he slashed an officer with a knife in the basement of his parents’ home.

The father of Stephon E. Watts called police for help with his son to their Calumet City home about 8:30 a.m. after the boy became upset and did not want to go to school.

People with Asperger’s often have normal or high intelligence, but struggle with social skills.

Wednesday’s incident was the 12th time police had responded to a domestic disturbance at the home, 10 of them involving the teen, Calumet City police said.

When officers arrived and went down to the basement, Watts suddenly appeared and made slashing strikes at the officers with a knife, the release said.

With nowhere to go, one officer suffered a defensive wound — a cut to the left forearm. That’s when two other officers on the scene fired one shot each, both hitting Watts, the release said.

He was taken to St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare in Hammond, Ind., where he later died. The Lake County (Ind.) Coroner’s office confirmed the death, but would not comment further.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/crime/10369427-418/teen-fatally-shot-by-calumet-city-police-was-autistic.html