A police officer was left in tears after he shot dead a woman who allegedly reached for a handgun when he approached her in a bizarre road traffic incident.
The woman – identified as Alysha Duran – was parked on the wrong side of the road facing another vehicle in Westminster Colorado on July 25. After approaching the car, the officer, who has only been identified as N. Adams, reaches into the vehicle before running behind it.
This is a tactic often used by police officers when they think there could be a potential risk. He can then be heard shouting “what have you got in there?” after believing he spotted the firearm.
A few seconds later the cop opens fire on the vehicle. The fatal shot blew through 46-year-old Duran’s rear window before the bullet ended up nestled in the car opposite.
It was initially unclear why Duran was stopped in the road facing the other vehicle. And the woman initially appeared to ignore the officer when he asked her to roll down her window.
The exchange took a turn then when she grabs her necklace. The officer then spots the suspected firearm.
A Westminster Police Department spokesman said: “After several attempts to speak with the driver, she produced a handgun, Officer N Adams attempted to grab the driver’s arm and then disengaged, drew his gun, and fired at the driver, hitting her.
“We understand incident of this nature deeply affect our citizens, family members, and employees. We understand the concerns that arise after an officer is involved in a shooting. It is important to remember these situations are complex and often involve tough split-second decisions made by our officers.”
Westminster PD says the officer involved has been with the force for almost 20 years. He has since been put on paid adminstrative leave, as is the procedure in such incidents.
An investigation into the shooting is now underway. But officers said they have shared more information about the incident to help “provide a better understanding” over what happened.
Some online commenters have previously suggested the officer fired too quickly, not giving Duran a chance to explain why she had a handgun in her vehicle.
