Update:
The woman who died has been identified as 26-year-old Janita Vance.
The Medical Examiner’s findings are still pending at this time.
Original Post: August 16 2:27 PM
A preliminary investigation into an officer-involved shooting that occurred on August 16 reveals officers located a vehicle wanted for a shooting that occurred around 7:50 a.m. in Bellefontaine Neighbors, Missouri.
The vehicle was located by license plate readers (LPR) in our 3rd District and officers attempted to stop the car, however, it fled.
Officers eventually located the car parked at W. Iowa and Gasconade where an armed female was observed walking away from the wanted car. She was given verbal commands by officers but did not comply. Two officers discharged their weapons, striking her. The female then placed her weapon to her chin and discharged her firearm.
Additional officers arrived on the scene and rendered first aid until EMS arrival. She died at the scene. The woman was 26-years-old.
It is unclear if the woman died from the gunshots from officers or the self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Medical Examiner will make that determination.
No officers were injured.
The Force Investigation Unit has assumed this investigation.
