Condition of Girl Shot by Police Unchanged

Citing an ongoing investigation, police said Sunday that they could not provide additional information about a 15-year-old runaway who was shot by authorities after she rammed a stolen van into an unmarked police car.

The teen, whose name is not being released because of her age, was listed in critical condition. The shooting took place Friday morning in a strip mall parking lot near Ball Road and Moody Street.

“There has been no change in her condition reported,” Sgt. Jeff Kepley said. “That’s all I can say.”

As is routine in all officer-involved shootings, the Orange County district attorney’s office is investigating.

The injured teen and a 14-year-old friend, who was not injured, were living in a group home in Riverside County when they stole the van and ran away late Thursday, officials said. The group home is run by Santa Ana-based Family Solutions, which provides services for troubled youths.

Police were alerted that the girls might be headed to Cypress to visit a relative. The girls were spotted walking to the stolen van and were ordered to stop, police said. They refused, got in the car and began driving the vehicle in reverse, repeatedly striking the unmarked police vehicle, police said.

Police then opened fire. Authorities said the 15-year-old was taken to Los Alamitos Medical Center, where she underwent surgery, was placed on a respirator and remained under 24-hour police guard. Her friend was held at Orange County Juvenile Hall on suspicion of possession of stolen property, police said.