Woman, 71, shot dead after firing gun inside Port Orange police lobby

Linda Jean Croteau, 71, entered the Port Orange Police Department lobby and fired at staff before being shot by officers outside. She later died from her injuries.

Woman, 71, shot dead after firing gun inside Port Orange police lobby

71-year-old woman dies after shooting incident at Port Orange Police Department

Google News MT — Crime (en) reports that a 71-year-old woman has died after firing a gun inside the lobby of the Port Orange Police Department in Florida on Thursday morning.

The department identified the woman as Linda Jean Croteau. Investigators said she entered the records area just after 8:30 a.m. carrying a firearm and discharged a single round in the direction of civilian staff working in the lobby. No civilian employees or police officers were injured.

Croteau then exited the building, where law enforcement officers shot her. Surveillance footage captured officers repeatedly ordering her to "drop the gun" — both while she was inside and after she stepped outside.

The Port Orange Police Department stated in a social media post: "The video then shows Ms. Croteau on the ground reaching for her weapon as officers are commanding her to surrender before officers fire again. Officers hurried over to provide aid, and she was transported to the hospital."

The department added: "We support our officers and their actions in this dynamic and rapidly evolving situation."

Mariah Cunningham, owner of Everybody Energetics, a business located across the street, said she heard the shots from inside her premises. "I heard gunshots, multiple gunshots, and I said, 'OK,' and I locked myself in here," Cunningham said. "Then, lots of yelling. I did see some people starting to watch, but I was not going to go anywhere near the gunfire."

Lana Burhannan, a witness from a neighbouring business, said she had been on the premises early doing inventory when she heard the first shots. Her primary concern, she said, was the mental health of the suspect.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the incident.

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)