Parents Say 13-Year-Old Chicago Boy Shot by Police Was Unarmed

Chicago police shot and wounded a 13-year-old boy who they say pointed a weapon at them, MyFoxChicago.com reports.

Jimmel Cannon was shot eight times by police, according to his parents. He was taken to a local hospital Monday night with wounds to his hands, shoulders and legs.

Police reportedly said they were called to a neighborhood on Chicago's northwest side at around 11:00 p.m. local time Monday to investigate shots fired. They saw Cannon, who matched a description they were given. Police said that the boy had a weapon and refused to drop it when police ordered him to.

Cannon's parents said the boy was not holding anything and said he had his hands in the air when he was shot, according to the station.

A police spokesperson said the weapon turned out to be a BB-gun, but added that police acted appropriately because toy guns are often indistinguishable from a real weapon.

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Police Shoot 13-Year-Old Boy, Parents Dispute BB Gun Possession: MyFoxCHICAGO.com