POLICE CLEARED IN SHOOTING OF ARMED TEEN DURING MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS One thing we always try to keep in mind is the compassion we have for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Unfortunately, officers are sometimes faced with situations where a person in crisis presents an immediate threat to themselves or others, and the responsibility to stop that threat can result in a tragic outcome for everyone involved. As far as this incident itself, one of the dangers in situations like this is how easily officers can get drawn into confined spaces while attempting to gain compliance. When less-lethal tools fail and an armed subject suddenly advances toward officers, encounters inside confined spaces can become chaotic very quickly. Officers react to avoid the threat and often end up separating into different rooms, hallways, and angles within the house. This can create significant crossfire concerns and make it much more difficult to maintain awareness of other officers’ positions as the situation rapidly unfolds. Backstory: Officers have been cleared in the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Ayden Gould during a mental health crisis. According to authorities, Ayden’s grandmother called 911 reporting that he was “losing his mind,” had assaulted her, and was concealing an object behind his back. When officers arrived, Ayden reportedly told them they were “going to have to kill” him while armed with a large kitchen knife. Officers deployed Tasers, but they were ineffective. Investigators said Ayden then advanced toward officers with the knife in a stabbing motion, prompting one officer to fire four rounds, striking him three times. Ayden’s family strongly disagrees with the ruling, arguing he was experiencing a severe mental health crisis and should have received help rather than being met with deadly force. The investigation has been closed, and no charges will be filed against the officers.