Tensions rise in Venezuela after a teenager was fatally shot Tuesday during an anti-government protest amid the country's worsening economic crisis.

The policeman responsible for the shooting of 14-year-old Kluiver Roa has been arrested.

Roa died as police and protesters clashed near the home of the state of Tachira's ruling party governor.  Other student activists were also injured as stones were thrown.

Like Us on Facebook

"These hooded protesters intercepted four police officers, snatched their motorbikes and to get rid of the protesters, one of the officials shot at the ground," Tachira's head of citizen security Colonel Ramon Cabezas said.

"When the protesters scattered ... we saw the students lifting the body of this youngster from beneath a car, we don't know for now how he got there." Cabezas added.

Home Affairs Minister Carmen Melendez said charges will be filed against the 23-year-old Javier Mora Ortiz, the police who confessed into shooting Roa.

San Cristobal has been known as Venezuela's protest city.  It was also the venue of last year's massive demonstrations that killed 43 people.

President Nicolas Maduro called for calm as he vowed a full investigation into the teen's death.

"There is no reason for violent protests. I make an appeal to our country, and especially the young, to give up violence. Hatred will not lead to anything," Maduro said.

Tensions reignited in recent weeks as the country's economy worsened.

Growing dissatisfaction over food shortage as well as scarce supply of basic commodities led people to go out to the streets.

Venezuela, a major oil exporter, is also taking the brunt of low oil prices in international market.

Maduro has accused the opposition of taking advantage of the worsening economic crisis to overthrow his government.

Last week, another veteran opposition leader, Caracas Mayor Antonio Ledezma, was arrested.  This also triggered supporters from the opposition to stage protests.

TagsVenezuela, anti-government protests, maduro