CLEVELAND -- Police officers will volunteer their time to protect a man who shot and killed a 15-year-old who they said was attempting to rob him, the NAACP announced Wednesday.

Police said Arthur C. Buford and another person tried to rob Damon Wells at his home near East 134th Street and Kinsman Avenue. Wells then used his own gun and fired rounds, killing Buford, police said.

Since the shooting a few weeks ago, the Wells' home has been vandalized and the family has been staying at undisclosed locations and living in fear, NewsChannel5 reported.

Repairs are under way to the home.

"If they can run these people out of their home, they can run you out of your home," said NAACP President George Forbes. "I live in Cleveland. They can run me out of my home. People have a right to be safe and secure in their home."

Steve Loomis, president of the Cleveland police union, added, "We cannot allow these thugs to drive our good people out of the city. We can't do it."

Officials recently announced that Wells would not face charges in connection with the shooting.

It's unknown when the protection will begin.