A confrontation between law enforcement and participants of an unauthorized car club meet-up led to a police shooting in Durham, North Carolina.

According to WRAL, a Durham police officer shot 16-year-old Joshua García twice during an incident that occurred in a Food Lion parking lot on Hope Valley Road just after midnight on Sunday.

Family members, including García's father and uncle Jamie Gueta, have come forward to identify the teenager as the shooting victim. The incident began when police responded to reports of a car club racing in the area, leading to a confrontation that resulted in objects being thrown at the responding officer's vehicle.

Police Response Escalates Into Armed Confrontation

Durham Police Chief Patrice Andrews outlined the events leading up to the shooting. Corporal R. McQueen arrived at the scene to disperse a crowd but faced hostility as some individuals threw objects at his patrol car.

The situation intensified when McQueen tried to apprehend a suspect who attempted to run away. During a foot chase that continued into the Food Lion parking lot, the suspect reportedly drew a handgun and ignored repeated orders to drop it.

Chief Andrews clarified the officer's response, noting that the suspect raised the gun, prompting the officer to fire.

Investigation and Family Seeks Answers

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has taken charge of the investigation, following standard procedure for officer-involved shootings. Corporal McQueen, an 18-year veteran of the Durham Police Department, has been placed on administrative duty pending the investigation's outcome.

Jamie Gueta, the teenager's uncle, expressed the family's desire for transparency, stating:

We feel like we need to have more information about it. We need to know what happened. Police officers need to talk to my sister and to us

The police department has filed multiple juvenile petitions against García, including charges of assault with a firearm on a law enforcement officer, possession of a handgun by a minor, and resisting, delaying, or obstructing a public officer.

Current Status and Next Steps

The shooting has raised concerns among local residents about the increasing presence of unsanctioned car events in residential areas. Alexander Harris, a nearby resident, described hearing between 20 to 40 police sirens responding to the incident, expressing shock at such activities occurring close to residential neighborhoods.

García has undergone surgery following the shooting, and his family reports he is currently recovering. The Durham Police Department confirmed that bodycam footage exists of both the foot chase and the shooting, as Corporal McQueen's camera was activated during the incident.

A comprehensive report from the SBI is expected to be released on Friday, which should provide additional details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The Durham Police Department has also indicated that more information about both the suspect and the officer involved will be disclosed on Monday.

Moving Forward Through Investigation

The early morning shooting of 16-year-old Joshua García by Durham Police Corporal R. McQueen has sparked an intensive investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation, with crucial evidence, including bodycam footage, to be reviewed.

The incident, which began as a response to unauthorized car club activities, resulted in multiple juvenile charges against García and has highlighted growing community concerns about street racing near residential areas while his family continues to seek answers about the circumstances leading to the shooting.