The bb gun was his friend’s and he was returning it. Seven shots fired... by Eric Gelhaus. You might want to read some of Gelhaus’ written statements posted at an online swat blog (link above. )
“Today’s is the day you may need to kill someone in order to go home. If you cannot turn into the ‘Mean Gene’ for yourself, who will? If you find yourself in an ambush, in the kill zone, you need to turn on the ‘Mean Gene.’”
Read more at: http://www.heavy.com/news/2013/10/erick-gelhaus-andy-lopez-shooting-cop/
Actually it was an Airsoft replica AK47 with the bright orange identifying markings removed making it practically indistinguishable from the real thing. Until the police investigation is concluded however it would be speculation to suggest what the kid was doing or where he was going when he encountered police.
Whoever is responsible for that gun however, is most likely going to be sued for a lot of money, and I'll reserve judgment on who that person is until all the facts are known.
As for Deputy Gelhaus, I don't believe he's a bad cop and although his career in law enforcement may be over I'm confident that he will be cleared of wrong doing in this tragic incident.