Teen fatally shot by authorities in Gainesville

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) - Authorities say a 16-year-old boy who was walking around a Florida apartment complex with what appeared to be an assault rifle has been fatally shot by police.

Gainesville Police and the Alachua County Sheriff's Office said in a statement that the African-American teen, Robert Dentmond, called 911 late Sunday to report he was armed and suicidal. Authorities say Dentmond initially dropped his weapon when confronted but then picked it up again after a few minutes and began walking toward a building.

The statement adds that Dentmond ignored several warnings from deputies and officers before he was shot.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating.  Police have not yet identified the officers involved or their race or races. They have been placed on administrative leave.  

The family has established a Go Fund Me account to help pay for funeral expenses.