Autistic boy, 15, is shot dead by California cops after running towards them with a bladed gardening tool

An autistic boy was shot and killed by police in California after he ran at them with a garden tool, officials said.

Chilling bodycam footage shows the moment Ryan Gainer, 15, runs out of his Apple Valley, San Bernardino County home on Saturday and toward deputies.

A deputy is heard saying: ‘Hey come back! Turn back or you’ll be shot,” before opening fire.

Police showed up at his home after receiving a 911 call reporting the teenager assaulting family members and damaging property, as reported by KTLA.

According to an official report, Gainer attacked the officers with the five-foot-long garden tool as soon as they arrived.

A deputy is heard saying: ‘Hey come back! Turn back or you’ll be shot,” before opening fire

A deputy said he tried to get away but opened fire after the teenager chased after him.

“Without provocation, Gainer raised the blade end of the tool and ran toward the deputy,” the release said.

“The deputy retreated and Gainer chased the deputy in an attempt to attack him with the bladed end of the tool.”

Officers provided medical treatment until paramedics arrived, but the teenager was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

No deputies were injured in the incident, which is under investigation by the police department’s Special Investigations Unit.

“Our social safety net for those experiencing mental illness must be strengthened,” Sheriff Shannon Dicus said in a statement.

“Our deputies deal with seemingly insurmountable calls every day. Most of these calls do not end in violence. However, this one ended in tragedy for Ryan, his family and for the deputies who responded.

‘Fast-paced, violent encounters are some of the most difficult, requiring split-second decisions. Although these decisions are legal, they are terrible in terms of our humanity. I feel for both Ryan’s family and my deputies who will struggle with this for the rest of their lives.’