15-year-old shot, killed by SSF police

A 15-year-old boy died Tuesday night after a confrontation with police –  during which he pulled out a gun.

Police shot the boy, who was identified as Derrick Gaines, in an Arco parking lot at the corner of Westborough and Gellert boulevards at around 9 p.m. yesterday in South San Francisco.

He was taken to San Francisco General Hospital where he died later. Police claim the officer, whose name has not been released, fired for fear of his own safety.

The incident began when police spotted Gaines walking with another teen and thought they were behaving suspiciously. Police declined to state why.

Police then tried to stop them and only one of the teens complied, police Capt. Mike Brosnan said in a press conference this morning. That teen was not detained.

Gaines allegedly ran away and pulled a pistol from his waistband, at which point the officer fired, Brosnan said. Police recovered the pistol, but did not give the make and model.

Brosnan gave no indication as to whether or not Gaines aimed the gun at the officer.

The boy’s father, also named Derrick Gaines, said he did not understand why police shot his son:

“They are supposed to protect and serve. Anybody can get spooked and run.”

He said he is requested a police report so he can see the facts for himself.

A friend of the teen, Lorne Burnham, 16, told the Chron that Gaines carried a gun for protection, but would have never used it against a police officer.

A memorial has been placed outside the gas station where Gaines was shot, where mourners brought candles, teddy bears, and a sign bearing the message: “Rest in peace, baby boy.”