By Rebecca Cohen and Colin Sheeley -
NBC News
A 17-year-old boy died after he was shot by a police officer during a welfare check in Nebraska, authorities said.
The shooting occurred Tuesday afternoon while Columbus Police Department (CPD) officers were conducting a welfare check on the teen, according to the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP), which is conducting investigation of the incident.
The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP), which is conducting the investigation into the incident.Associated Press
While at the residence where the visit to check on the young man's well-being was taking place, the police officers came into contact with the teenager, who had a knife, the NSP said in a statement Thursday.
An officer opened fire and the teen was pronounced dead at the scene.
The youth was identified by NSP as Chase Ditter, 17, of Columbus.
Police said they were initially called to a residence around 1:00 p.m. (local time) in the 3600 block of 39th Avenue in Columbus,
about 90 kilometers west of Omaha
.
According to the NSP, officers were there to check on the teenager, after reports that he might harm himself.
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"During the encounter, a Columbus police officer fired his service weapon. Another officer deployed a stun gun during the incident," the NSP said.
Both officers involved in the incident were placed on administrative leave, the NSP said.
The NSP Special Investigations Team is investigating the incident.
Police indicated they would provide more information when it becomes available.
The NSP said it was asked by the CPD to take charge of the "in-custody death" investigation.
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Columbus Public Schools placed two nearby schools, Lost Creek Elementary and Columbus High School, on "safety status" after police informed the district of the events, said Nicole Anderson, a spokeswoman for Columbus Public Schools.
Anderson said the victim
was a Columbus High School student
.