Mother of teen shot by police expresses anguish over inadequate mental health care, not placing blame on officers involved.

In a troubling incident arising from a police engagement in the Bronx, the mother of 18-year-old Antonio Morales, who was shot and critically injured during a confrontation with law enforcement, has expressed her heartache over her son’s ongoing struggles with mental health and the lack of adequate support systems available to him. The mother, wishing to remain anonymous, refrained from condemning police actions during the incident, stating she understands they were fulfilling their duty. However, she is deeply saddened by the failure to provide her son with the necessary help he needed throughout his struggles.

The encounter occurred late Thursday when police responded to reports of an armed robbery. During the altercation, Morales, who was reportedly armed, attempted to flee and was involved in a struggle that resulted in an officer being injured. The sergeant sustained a head injury when knocked to the ground, prompting police to discharge their weapons. In the aftermath, Morales was left with serious injuries, including gunshot wounds that require surgical evaluation.

The challenges faced by Morales, according to his mother, began years ago when he exhibited signs of mental illness and anger issues. Despite various treatments including therapy and medication, his mother described that he has shown resistance to mental health support, ceasing therapy sessions and medication he previously depended on. She highlighted the difficulty she faced in attempting to mandate his treatment, stating that her options were limited as a caregiver.

In 2023, the mother sought assistance from law enforcement to admit her son for psychiatric care; however, he was discharged within a day. She also pursued help from the city’s Administration for Children’s Services to secure placement in a group home, but financial constraints hindered those efforts. The mother lamented a general trend in New York City where families encounter barriers in accessing necessary mental health resources.

Describing Morales’ character, she shared fond memories of him as an energetic child, before a traumatic incident altered his behavior significantly during his teenage years. A violent encounter that left his brother injured reportedly had a profound effect on Morales, leading to changes in his disposition and reactions to perceived disrespect.

Despite his tumultuous history, Morales had shown determination to improve his life recently. He completed a training course for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and was close to obtaining his General Educational Development (GED). His mother expressed hope for his recovery from the critical injuries he sustained during the police encounter and remains anxious about how the situation will unfold moving forward. The reality of her son’s current condition and the series of events that led to this moment represent a culmination of systemic failures around mental health support and community safety.

Charges against Morales are still pending as he continues to receive medical attention at Jacobi Medical Center, where doctors are contemplating surgical intervention to address the wounds inflicted.