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Maricopa County Attorney's Office will not seek charges against former Tempe officer in shooting death of 14-year-old

Former Tempe police officer Joseph Jaen is accused of shooting and killing 14-year-old Antonio Arce last January.

The Maricopa County Attorney's Office said Friday that it would not file charges against a former Tempe police officer who is accused of shooting and killing a 14-year-old last year.

Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel said her office would not seek charges against Joseph Jaen, who allegedly shot and killed Antonio Arce last January.

Credit: Tempe Police Department
Joseph Jaen

Adel announced her decision during a press conference on Friday, saying the evidence in the case does not support a conviction at trial. 

WATCH THE PRESS CONFERENCE HERE

Jaen was responding to a call of a suspicious car in an alley when he saw Arce inside the pickup truck. Video showed the boy exiting the truck and running away, and Jaen chasing after him. 

Jaen shot twice at Arce from at least 114 feet away, striking him once in the shoulder. The teenager continued to run, but collapsed on a street just outside the alleyway. 

Body camera footage showed an orange-tipped fake gun underneath Arce's arm. It was an airsoft gun. 

WARNING: The below video contains disturbing images and language. 

Police said Jaen fired because he perceived a threat.

The video showed Jaen, who was alone, standing behind a concrete wall as he commanded Arce to drop his weapon. Arce was unresponsive, except for a quick moment in which he lifted his head up.

Several minutes passed as Jaen kept a distance as he waited for a backup. 

PREVIOUSLY: Officer involved in shooting death of 14-year-old Antonio Arce had previous excessive force complaint

About five minutes passed before other officers who arrived on scene approached Arce's body, turned him over and handcuffed him before they began chest compressions.

"It's just a f------ kid," Jaen said in the video. "It's a f------ toy gun, man. What the f---?"

Jaen resigned from his position last May. Arce's parents sued City of Tempe and the Tempe Police Department earlier this month. 

RELATED ARTICLES: 

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 Family of 14-year-old shot, killed by former Tempe officer files $5 million notice of claim against city

 Tempe police officer who shot and killed 14-year-old Antonio Arce resigns

 Maricopa County Attorney's Office to review fatal Tempe police shooting involving 14-year-old

 Tempe police show new video of fatally shot 14-year-old possessing fake gun

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