A 15-year-old boy who had been reported missing and endangered died Monday, October 19, after a shooting involving a Loudoun County sheriff’s deputy in Round Hill, Virginia, authorities said.
The incident occurred shortly before 10 a.m. in the 36000 block of East Loudoun Street. The teen was believed to have multiple firearms, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said the Purcellville Police Department requested assistance from the sheriff’s office at approximately 9 a.m. Monday to help locate the missing teenager.
At around 9:50 a.m., a sheriff’s deputy spotted the boy walking west along East Loudoun Street.
According to investigators, the deputy approached the teen, who then produced a firearm. The boy suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound as the deputy fired one round from his service weapon. Authorities said the teen also discharged his firearm during the encounter.
The deputy immediately attempted to provide medical assistance, but the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials have not provided additional details about the circumstances leading up to the encounter or what prompted the deputy to fire. The information available so far does not establish whether the deputy’s gunshot struck the teenager.
The fatal shooting remains under investigation. Further information about the teen’s identity, the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, and the investigation may be released as authorities provide updates.
This story is developing. Updates will be added as more information becomes available.