WARNING: This story contains discussions of a shooting involving a police officer. 

The Los Angeles Police Department has once again found itself at the center of criticism after a 14-year-old girl was “accidentally” shot and killed by an officer two days before Christmas. 

Los Angeles Times reported the teenager was at a Burlington clothing store in North Hollywood trying on dresses for a quinceanera while police were responding to calls of assault with a deadly weapon. 

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According to LAPD Chief Michael Moore, officers confronted a suspect who they believe was attacking someone in the business and opened fire, killing the teenager who was, “in a dressing room behind a wall… in the path of where the officer fired.” The victim was identified on Friday as Valentina Orellana-Peralta. 

Another woman was injured and the male suspect was killed, with the only evidence recovered from the scene being a metal cable. 

“This chaotic incident resulting in the death of an innocent child is tragic and devastating for everyone involved,” Chief Moore said in a statement. “I am profoundly sorry for the loss of this young girl’s life and I know there are no words that can relieve the unimaginable pain for the family.” 

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It’s unclear at this time what prompted the officer to open fire, but the incident has provoked uproar on social media — with many Twitter users accusing the cops of being reckless and neglecting to protect the community. 

Moore assured the family and the public that a full and thorough investigation would be conducted. Once the investigation is completed, findings will be given over to the department’s special prosecutions unit for independent evaluation. 

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If you or someone you know is struggling from trauma triggered by shootings involving police officers, resources are available here.