A 16-year-old was fatally shot in Juneau, Alaska, after allegedly pointing a pellet gun at another driver during a road confrontation. The 24-year-old shooter, believing the teen had a real firearm, acted in self-defense and was later released after police determined the weapon was a CO2-powered pellet rifle.

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JUNEAU, AK (3-minute read) — A fatal shooting in Juneau early Monday morning left a 16-year-old dead during a road confrontation. The shooter, a 24-year-old man, was briefly detained but later released after a preliminary police investigation.

According to the Juneau Police Department (JPD), the incident began when the older driver, traveling in his 2001 GMC Jimmy, reported that he was being followed by a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The two vehicles circled a roundabout before stopping side by side. At that point, an argument ensued, and the 24-year-old noticed the younger driver holding what appeared to be a rifle.

Police say the teen then pointed the object at the older driver, who responded by drawing his pistol and firing. The teen was pronounced dead at the scene. Upon further investigation, authorities discovered that the rifle was actually a CO2-powered pellet gun, designed to closely resemble a real firearm.

Juneau Police Chief Derek Bos stated that even responding officers initially believed the pellet gun was a real firearm due to its realistic appearance. The shooter remained at the scene and cooperated with police. Authorities confirmed that the two individuals did not know each other prior to the altercation.

This case highlights the dangers of realistic-looking air guns and the split-second decisions people must make in self-defense situations. While no charges have been filed yet, the investigation remains ongoing.

Safety Tip: If you own a pellet or airsoft gun, ensure it is stored responsibly and educate others about the risks of carrying or brandishing realistic-looking firearms in public. Law enforcement and civilians may react to them as if they are real, leading to potentially fatal misunderstandings.