US teen shot by cop who 'mistook Wii controller for handgun'

Photo / File

A 17-year old student was allegedly shot to death by a police officer who mistook his video game controller for a gun in Georgia.

Aspiring marine Christopher Roupe was allegedly shot by an unidentified police officer who was serving a probation violation warrant against his father, according to the family's lawyer.

The officer told investigators the teenager was carrying a weapon when he opened the door at the family's mobile home in Euharlee, Georgia, at around 7:35pm on Friday (local time).

"A male subject opened the front door pointing a pistol ... and pulled the trigger," the affidavit said.

The officer fired one round. The family denies this.

"It just doesn't add up," said attorney Cole Law who is representing the Roupe family. "We don't know where that statement came from. The eyewitnesses on the scene clearly state that he had a Wii controller in his hand.

"He heard a knock at the door. He asked who it was, there was no response so he opened the door and upon opening the door he was immediately shot in the chest," Law added.

A witness on the scene said the officer was later seen in tears after gun shots were heard.

The officer has been placed on administrative while the investigation continues.

- UK Independent