The #Nebraska State Patrol is investigating the death of 17-year-old #ChaseDitter, whom a police officer shot during a welfare check in Columbus. Officers encountered Ditter, who had a knife, and one officer discharged their weapon, resulting in Ditter's death. According to reports, officers were there to check on the boy after reports that he was potentially harming himself.
Both officers involved are on administrative leave, and an investigation is ongoing. Additionally, Ditter was a Columbus High School student described as intelligent and accomplished.
The obituary mentions he was a passionate volunteer, took pleasure in traveling, and embarked on accumulating flight training hours. Ditter was the team programmer for his school's robotics team, an officer in the Skills USA program, and was selected by his teachers to compete in multiple math competitions for his school — something he was "honored" to do, according to the obituary.
He had plans for higher education as Ditter was set to graduate in May and was active in extracurricular activities. Ditter had been struggling with depression since the pandemic but was seeking help and looking forward to his future.
The tragic death of Chase Ditter at the hands of #police highlights the dire consequences of relying on police to respond to #mentalhealth crises. We mourn the loss of yet another young life and demand accountability for the unnecessary use of lethal force.
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Link: NBCNews