Andy Lopez, 13, shot by Sonoma County police as he carried toy gun

A 13-year-old boy from Santa Rosa, California was shot and killed by police on Tuesday after walking through a neighborhood carrying a replica rifle. 

Andy Lopez, was walking near an empty lot at the corner of Moorfield and West Robles Avenues at around 3 p.m., with a fake gun which belonged to his friend. Two Sonoma County sheriff's deputies were patrolling the area when they saw Lopez. Thinking the boy was carrying a real rifle, they stopped their car and got out. From the protection of their car doors, they yelled for Lopez to put his weapon down, according to a report in The Press Democrat.

Lopez's back was to the deputies and when he turned, the front of the rifle pointed at the law enforcement agents. One of the deputies opened fire, unloading several rounds. One witness reported hearing seven shots fired. 

After shooting Lopez, the deputies ordered him to move away from the weapon. They approached his unresponsive body and handcuffed him before administering first aid or calling for medical assistance, the Press Democrat reported. Lopez was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The deputies claim that they did not realize Lopez was just a boy, nor that the weapon was only a replica. Lopez also had a toy pistol in his waistband which was discovered after the shooting. The deputies involved in the incident have been put on administrative leave, which is standard procedure in such cases, according to reports. 

An investigation into the shooting has been launched and is being handled by the Santa Rosa and Petaluma Police departments.