The moment a teenager who her father kidnapped was shot dead by police officers was captured in a shocking video recently released by police.
The tragic incident unfolded on September 27, 2022, in Hesperia, a city in California's San Bernardino County. At the time, an Amber Alert had been issued for 15-year-old Savannah Graziano, who was believed to have been kidnapped by her father after he fatally shot her mother.
Police believed that Anthony Graziano, 45, committed the heinous murder outside a school in nearby Fontana. Graziano's truck was spotted, leading sheriff's deputies on a frantic, high-speed chase marked by exchanges of gunfire between the suspect and law enforcement.
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The footage has now been released (San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department)The chase ended on the side of a freeway in Hesperia with Savannah exiting the car from the passenger's side. Witnesses and deputies reported shots originating from the passenger side of the vehicle. However, she reportedly exited the car unarmed, complying with commands from deputies.
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The girl can be seen in the video, getting out of the car wearing tactical gear and a helmet. Savannah initially got down on the ground but then started walking toward the deputies at their command.
Police believed that Anthony Graziano, 45, committed the heinous murder outside a school in nearby Fontana (MediaNews Group via Getty Images)Audio released by the department indicates a deputy near her shouting: "Passenger get out! Passenger get out!" and "Hey, come to me, come to me." Perceiving her as a threat, police open fire killing her instantly.
The video states that while that deputy was ordering her to come toward them, other deputies at a higher elevation and different viewpoint only saw someone exit the vehicle and move toward deputies, and they opened fire, per ABC13.
The heartbreaking footage captures the chaotic scene as deputies realize their grave error, with one deputy desperately calling for the shooting to cease, recognizing the innocence of the young girl.
The tragic incident unfolded on September 27, 2022 (City of Fontana Police Department)For all the latest news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US
"Oh no," one deputy can be heard saying in footage showing a helicopter view of the girl being shot. The deputy who was calling her toward him can be head on audio recordings saying "Hey, stop, stop shooting her! He's in the car. Stop."
The video narrative states: "You can hear him calling her over and telling other deputies that the person who exited the truck was the passenger and for them to stop firing, but it was too late."
Officers also shot at her father, Anthony John Graziano, wanted for the murder of Savannah’s mother (City of Fontana Police Department)Despite efforts to save her, Savannah succumbed to her injuries after being transported to a local hospital. Her father, Anthony Graziano, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The aftermath of the shootout revealed a cache of firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, flash bang and smoke grenades, as well as body armour and tactical helmets within the vehicle. Four sheriff's department vehicles were left severely damaged in the intense exchange of gunfire.
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