NORTH BRANCH, Minn. – The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating after North Branch police shot and killed a woman Thursday night.
According to the North Branch Police Department, officers responded to the report of an “intoxicated and suicidal female armed with a firearm” near Third Avenue and Elm Street at 9:19 p.m.
According to police, after locating the woman, one officer fired a non-lethal “Pepperball” during the incident, while another officer fired his firearm at the woman, striking her.
Officers on the scene attempted to treat the woman, but police say she died from her injuries.
Body-worn cameras captured the incident and the research by the BCA is still in an early stage.
The officers who fired their service weapons are on standard critical incident leave.
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If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, you can get help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Experienced crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day to talk about anything. Additionally, help is available from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI. Call the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-6264 or text “HelpLine” to 62640. There are more than 600 local NAMI organizations and affiliates across the country, many of which offer free support and education programs.
