The teen was killed by a white police officer, authorities said on Thursday, marking the latest in the long line of controversial police shootings across the United States.

Officials identified the boy as 13-year-old Tyree King. He allegedly drew a BB-gun out of his waistband after being confronted by police in Columbus, Ohio.

Police Chief Kim Jacobs showed reporters pictures of a "replica" of the toy weapon at the Thursday press conference.

"Our officers carry a gun that looks practically identical to this weapon," she said. "As you can see, it looks like a firearm that could kill you."

Police officers said they were dispatched to investigate a report of armed robbery before the Wednesday night shooting. The victim of the robbery told the police that a group of people confronted him and asked for money, and that one of them had a gun.

Laser sight

At the scene, the officers spotted three males who matched the description. Two of them ran away when the police asked to speak with them. The policemen chased the pair to an alleyway and "attempted to take them into custody when one suspect pulled a gun from his waistband," according to a statement.

One of the officers fired and "struck the suspect multiple times," the police said. The 13-year-old was taken to a children's hospital, where he was proclaimed dead about a half an hour later.

The policeman who shot the teen was a nine-year veteran of the force. According to police records, he also killed a suspect who was holding a man at gunpoint in 2012.

"Crime Search Unit detectives processed the shooting scene and collected what appeared to be a handgun," the police said. "Upon further inspection, it was determined to be a BB gun with an attached laser sight."

'Obsession' with guns

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther called on the community to help ensure children's safety. He also questioned why an eighth-grader would have a replica of a police weapon.

"There is something wrong in this country, and it is bringing its epidemic to our city streets," Ginther said. "And a 13-year-old is dead in the city of Columbus because of our obsession with guns and violence."

dj/sms (AP, AFP)