A woman was fatally shot by Orlando police officers in an unexpected turn of events during an intervention.
The incident unfolded when the woman, reportedly threatening to end her own life, attacked the officers with two knives, according to information released by Florida law enforcement officials.
The situation came to authorities’ attention when a distress call was placed by the woman’s boyfriend, reporting her alarming state of mind.
Officers trained in crisis intervention promptly responded to the call, arriving at an apartment located near 12000 Pioneer Way shortly before 1 PM. Grasping the seriousness of the scenario, the officers initiated a crisis negotiation process with the woman over the phone. During this conversation, she momentarily stepped out of the apartment, clutching both the phone and a knife, before withdrawing back into the premises.
However, when the woman reappeared for a second time, she was carrying two knives and moved menacingly toward the officers. Faced with a clear and present danger, two of the responding officers discharged their service weapons, causing fatal injuries to the woman. She died from her injuries at the scene.
Early investigation findings suggest that the officers were not carrying their Tasers at the time of the incident. This tragic event represents the second fatal shooting involving Orlando police this month.
Earlier this month, on July 3, Derek Diaz was fatally shot by an officer in a separate incident. Diaz was discovered inside a parked vehicle in downtown Orlando and was suspected of participation in drug-related activities when officers approached him.