Memorial Held for Slain Teenage Ohio Boy

Members of the Columbus Police Crime Scene Search Unit are seen on Hoffman Avenue on Sept. 15, near the scene of a police shooting of 13-year-old Tyre King in Columbus, Ohio.

An officer responding to reports of a robbery shot and killed the young boy after he drew what turned out to be a BB gun, a type of air gun that shoots pellets, police said. The Columbus police department said it was investigating the Wednesday night death of King, the latest in a string of officer involved shootings that have fueled protests and national debate about policing tactics in U.S. cities.

The empty scene where the police shot 13-year-old Tyre King near 19th street and East Capital is viewed on Sept. 15.

Columbus Police Chief Kim Jacobs holds up a photo showing the type of BB gun that police say a 13-year-old boy pulled from his waistband just before he was shot and killed by police investigating an armed robbery report, on Sept. 15. Police say the boy, Tyre King, died at a hospital after the shooting.

A sign on a fence on 18th street near East Capital Street is seen Sept. 15, near the scene of a police shooting of 13-year-old Tyre King in Columbus, Ohio.

Community members hold hands for a prayer during a vigil for 13-year-old Tyre King.

Members of King's family hold hands while listening to prayer during a vigil for the 13-year-old.

Members of Tyre King's family console each other during the vigil.

Community members light candles during the vigil.