A teenage boy died after being stabbed by a Sacramento Regional Transit security guard at a Rancho Cordova station, following an altercation that began over a vaping violation. Authorities are investigating the incident as a possible case of self-defense.

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RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (3-minute read) — A teenage boy is dead following a violent encounter with a Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) security guard at a bus station in Rancho Cordova on Thursday afternoon. According to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, the fatal incident took place near Mills Station Road, close to Folsom Boulevard and Mather Field Road.

Authorities say the altercation began when a security guard asked a boy and a girl to stop vaping while riding a light rail train. The teens eventually exited the train, though it remains unclear whether they did so voluntarily or were removed. The confrontation escalated near a nearby bus stop, where a physical fight reportedly broke out between the male teen and the guard. During the struggle, the guard fatally stabbed the boy.

Emergency responders transported the boy to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

SacRT released a statement asserting the stabbing was an act of self-defense. According to the transit agency, the two teens allegedly became aggressive after being asked to leave the train, leading to a physical attack on the employee. “The ongoing investigation indicates that the employee was attacked by the two teens, which led to a stabbing in self-defense,” the statement read.

The security guard involved has been detained for questioning. As of Friday, the sheriff’s office confirmed that no arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing, and once concluded, findings will be forwarded to the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, which will determine whether charges will be filed.

No identifying information about the deceased has been released.

Safety Tip: If you’re carrying a firearm for self-defense, it’s vital to understand your state’s laws regarding use of force. Even in cases of self-defense, your actions will be closely scrutinized by law enforcement and prosecutors. Always seek de-escalation before resorting to physical force.