A crisis response team will be on-hand at Torrey Pines High School (TPHS) in San Diego's North County Monday to offer support to students, parents and staff in the aftermath of the officer-involved shooting that left a 15-year-old student dead in the campus' parking lot.
San Dieguito Union High School District (SDUHSD) Superintendent Eric Dill sent an email to parents following the deadly incident at the campus Saturday morning.
Just before 3:30 a.m., a 15-year-old TPHS student had called the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) to request a welfare check on a minor -- himself -- at the parking lot at the entrance of the high school. The teen spoke in the third person, SDPD Acting Homicide Capt. Mike Holden said, telling police someone should check on a minor in the parking lot.
When officers arrived at the parking lot and got out their patrol car, the teenager allegedly pulled a gun from his waistband and pointed it at the officers. The officers fired their weapons at the teen, fatally striking him several times. The student was rushed to a local hospital where he died a short time later.
In his email to parents, Dill confirmed the teen was a student at TPHS. He said the incident has shaken the school district.
"The details of the situation are still unfolding, but whatever they are, this event is very traumatic for our students, staff, families, and community," the superintendent's email read. "A crisis response team will be on the TPHS campus on Monday to support students, staff, and parents as needed."
He continued:
"I know this is difficult, but we ask that you please refrain from conjecture or spreading rumors. This is a difficult time for the family and we need to let them mourn. Again, if you need to talk to someone about this or just need a place to go to mourn and process this tragedy, counseling services will be available at all of our schools on Monday for anyone who feels they need it."
Dill said the SDUHSD will do everything possible to maintain their daily routine while supporting faculty, students, and parents during this event.
The superintendent said police have not yet released the name of the teenager.
Tracy Francisco-Dominice holds up sign w her phone number offering kids help & support after teen shot & killed near Torrey Pines HS #NBC7 pic.twitter.com/gxDnVvfvIc
— Liberty Zabala (@LibertyNBC7SD) May 6, 2017
“Our hearts go out to the student, his family and his friends,” he added.
Although school was not in session Saturday, many students filed in hours after the officer-involved shooting because the campus was serving as an SAT testing center.
Parents who live in the neighborhood told NBC 7 the incident is tragic and scary, and hits far too close to home.
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Tracy Francisco-Dominice's son attends TPHS. She said she cried when she heard another student was killed by police officers.
Holding a homemade sign, Francisco-Dominice stood outside the school Saturday morning. The sign read "TEEN HELP," and included her phone number as a way of offering her support to students and the community.
"It's important to help these kids, and really, help everyone, who's feeling such desperation," she told NBC 7.
