A 71-year-old woman was fatally shot after walking into a Florida police station waving a pistol around, ignoring the officer's demands.
Residents in Port Orange, Florida, could not believe the dramatic events that played out at their local police station on Thursday morning. They were not only shocked at the tragic ending but also the identity of the individual who set the drama into motion.
Officers could not believe their eyes when 71-year-old Linda Croteau walked through the front entrance of the Port Orange Police Department and pulled a pistol from her pocket.
Soon, the situation would spiral, and the sound of gunfire would confirm the reality and gravity of the situation unfolding on September 3rd.
After pulling the pistol, Linda began to wave it around wildly before firing one round off in the direction of the evidence department, where officers were reportedly present.
Realizing the very real danger the weapon presented, an officer began telling Linda to drop the weapon. However, Linda completely ignored the officer's commands. After firing the pistol inside, Linda turned and walked back out the front entrance.
Having heard the commotion, officers outside of the station were ready and waiting. As Linda walked out the door, the officers began ordering for her to drop her weapon.
Sadly, Linda once again ignored the officers and continued to walk towards them. Although Linda had only fired once inside the building and had not discharged her weapon outside, lethal force was administered.
It's not clear if just one or more of the three officers outside fired their weapon. We do know that three shots were fired, striking Linda and causing her to drop to the ground.
At this point, officers allege that Linda reached for her weapon while lying on the ground. Ten more shots were fired into Linda.
Once Linda had stopped moving, officers quickly cleared her weapon and began life-saving measures. EMS arrived a short time later, and Linda was rushed to a nearby hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.
Unfortunately, there is no clear motive for Linda's actions. Family members reported that she had been struggling with the recent loss of her beloved husband. Linda also had big changes on the horizon, with family preparing to move her out of state, to Georgia.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Linda Croteau.
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