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North Branch police shoot woman, Minnesota BCA investigates

NORTH BRANCH, Minnesota — The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating after North Branch police shot and killed a woman Thursday night.

According to North Branch police, officers responded to a report of an “intoxicated and suicidal female armed with a handgun” at 9:19 p.m. and responded to the area between Third Avenue and Elm Street.

According to police, during the incident, one officer fired a non-lethal pepper ball after locating the woman and another officer aimed his weapon at the woman and hit her.

According to police, officers on scene attempted to treat the woman, but she succumbed to her injuries.

Body-worn cameras recorded the incident and the Investigation by the BCA is still in an early stage.

The officers who fired their service weapons are on standard critical incident leave.

If you or someone you know is in emotional distress, get help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 to talk about anything. Additionally, you can get help from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Call the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-6264 or text “HelpLine” to 62640. There are more than 600 local NAMI organizations and partners across the country, many of which offer free support and educational programs.