Boy’s Claim Probed: Shotgun-Wielding Officers Mistook Me For Robber

County prosecutors have launched an investigation into a 10-year-old New Jersey boy’s claim that local police officers chased him down an alley and drew their guns on him in a case of mistaken identity last week.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka announced on Wednesday that the Essex County Prosecutor's Office will be investigating the boy’s allegations instead of the city public safety department to ensure a “fair and transparent process.”

"My heart goes out to 10-year-old Legend Preston, his mother, his family, and his neighbors for their ordeal,” Baraka said. “We are concerned about the allegations and we take them very seriously.”

The boy’s mother, Patisha Preston, is alleging that on Aug. 14, her “fun-loving child” was forever changed when multiple Newark police officers chased him with loaded shotguns while pursuing an armed robbery suspect.

• See related article: N.J. Boy, 10, Tearfully Claims Cops Pulled Shotguns On Him: VIDEO

Her son told ABC news that he was shooting hoops at a nearby basketball court when the ball rolled into the street. The boy said that he ran after it, and when police came his way, he initially thought the officers were chasing after him because of the ball. But Preston said that when he saw the shotguns, he took off running into his backyard.

Preston wrote that during the incident, her neighbors came together to form a “human shield” around her son in an effort to protect him.

She posted the below video of her shaken son, which was filmed after the alleged incident.

Newark police say they had their guns drawn but never pointed them at the 10-year-old while they pursued him. Police later found and arrested the suspect they were pursuing — 20-year-old Casey Joseph Robinson — whom they charged with armed robbery, ABC reported.

In the days after the alleged incident, Preston shared additional updates about Legend and her allegations via social media, including a side-by-side comparison of the alleged suspect and her son.

According to the Essex County Correctional Facility inmate lookup database, a 20-year-old, 270-pound inmate named Casey Robinson was charged with robbery and unlawful possession of an imitation firearm on Aug. 12 and is currently being held on $200,000 bond.

Photo: Essex County Correctional Facility

“Like many in the community, I first learned of this incident on social media,” Baraka said. “I immediately contacted Anthony Ambrose, our Director of Public Safety, and he initiated an investigation by our Internal Affairs Division. To ensure a fair and transparent process, the investigation has been turned over to the Essex County Prosecutor's Office.”

"Together, with all Newarkers, I await the results of this investigation,” Baraka continued. “I am determined to have all of the facts about this matter and, based on those facts, I will take the appropriate actions.”

Photo/Video of Legend Preston used with permission of Patisha Preston