911 call: Chanhassen teen killed by deputies was in rage day earlier after car taken away

The teenager fatally shot outside his family's Chanhassen home last week by sheriff's deputies went into a rage a day earlier after his parents took away his car, prompting a call to 911.

July 16, 2018 at 10:25AM
The scene outside the home where sheriff's deputies shot and killed a teenager.
The scene outside the home where sheriff's deputies shot and killed a teenager. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The teenager fatally shot outside his family's Chanhassen home last week by sheriff's deputies went into a rage a day earlier after his parents took away his car, prompting a call to 911.

Archer Amorosi, 16, died of multiple gunshots fired by Carver County sheriff's deputies late Friday morning, the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office said Sunday.

It was the first confirmation from authorities that Amorosi was the person who died outside the house in the 6400 block of Oriole Avenue after a woman there called 911, saying she feared her son was suicidal.

Amorosi was a lacrosse and football player who was set to begin his junior year at Minnetonka High School.

The state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), which is investigating the shooting, said Amorosi was brandishing weapons at deputies and others.

The woman who called 911 also said her son was threatening her with knives and a baseball bat, according to the BCA.

When deputies arrived they first used a Taser before two of them fired their weapons. Amorosi was pronounced dead at the scene. Body cameras and dash camera video from one of the five responding agencies may have recorded portions of the incident, according to the BCA.

Both officers involved in the shooting are on standard administrative leave, and the BCA will turn its findings over to the Carver County Attorney's Office for review. The officers have not been identified.

Police records indicated that the teen's father had called 911 a day earlier to report that his son had become enraged after losing his car privileges. The man also told the dispatcher that his son had not taken his medication for depression.

In a letter from Minnetonka High School to students and parents, Principal Jeff Erickson said Amorosi was talented in football and lacrosse, and in the classroom.

"This situation is heartbreaking, and I want to extend my thoughts and prayers to Archer's parents and family, his friends, and the entire Minnetonka High School community," Erickson wrote. "I know this situation is particularly devastating to those of you who knew Archer well."

The principal also said that counselors and other staff will be on hand Monday at the school for anyone needing assistance.

Erickson's Twitter account now displays a photo of Amorosi with his lacrosse teammates celebrating after their third-place finish in the state tournament four weeks before the shooting. The team's Twitter account posted a photo of a memorial to Amorosi that includes his jerseys, lacrosse equipment and two illuminated candles.

Archer Amorosi
Archer Amorosi (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
A Minnetonka High School lacrosse memorial to Archer Amorosi was posted on Twitter.
A Minnetonka High School lacrosse memorial to Archer Amorosi was posted on Twitter. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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Paul Walsh

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Paul Walsh is a general assignment reporter at the Star Tribune. He wants your news tips, especially in and near Minnesota.

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