The teen accused of charging police with knives appears in court, with concerns over his premature hospital release and current medical care needs.
SAN ANTONIO — The 16-year-old accused of coming at police officers with knives last week was wheeled into court Tuesday morning for his first appearance before a juvenile judge, having just been released from the hospital.
The teen was shot by police last Monday on West Dickson Avenue near SW Military Drive, when they said he charged at officers while brandishing two knives during a mental health episode.
At the time police said the teen didn’t stop the attack, even after officers tried to user a Taser to subdue him, so one officer fired two shots, striking the teen in the shoulder and thigh.
Tuesday the teen’s family told the court his injuries were so significant, they think he should still be in the hospital.
The teen’s uncle told Judge William Cruz Shaw “They told us he would be there six to eight weeks for him to be able to fend for himself.”
The man said the teen’s release was so sudden, the family’s not prepared to see to his medical needs yet.
The teen echoed those concerns, telling the judge “I think the hospital messed up on releasing me so soon.” He added that he isn’t even able to take care of his basic self-care needs.
“Wherever I’m at I want to be able to fend for myself. I’m relying on other people to help me put on my clothes,” he told the judge.
A representative from the probation department told the judge this is the teen’s third referral and that he has done well while he has been in the system, consistently going to school, taking his medication and going to doctor’s appointments.
Still though, because of the serious nature of the latest accusation, “Probation is recommending he remain detained. He may be a danger to himself or others.”
The prosecutor agreed.
Defense attorney Monica Guerrero told the court the teen doesn’t pose a danger at this time.
“Based on his medical condition right now, he doesn’t have the ability to run, per se, so I would be asking for him to be released.” Guerrero said.
Judge Shaw ruled on the side of caution, saying the teen’s medical needs could be met while he’s locked up and he should remain in detention for now, but he said as soon as possible he would like for a psychological evaluation to be completed.