BCA ID Minnesota police officers who shot and killed an armed woman

St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) – The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has identified the officers who shot and killed an armed woman earlier this week.

Preliminary information released by the St. Paul Police Department indicates officers responded to a home in St. Paul on Monday evening to a report of a suicidal woman.

A news release said the woman produced a gun and pointed it at officers as they spoke to her. Officers then shot the woman, who was pronounced dead at the scene despite police life-saving efforts.

BCA: Woman shot by St. Paul police pulled out gun and pointed it at officers

On Friday morning, the BCA released the identities and law enforcement histories of St. Paul police officers:

• Chiking Chazonkhueze. Three and a half years of law enforcement experience.
• Chee Lao. Three months of law enforcement experience.
• Yengkong Lor. Three years of experience in law enforcement.

All three officers fired their service weapons during the fatal officer-involved shooting. You have been placed on critical incident leave.

The woman shot by officers was identified as a 41-year-old Pepsi Lee Heinl. A medical examiner determined she died from multiple gunshot wounds.

A press release issued by the BCA states that the BCA’s investigation confirms the St. Paul Police Department’s account of the fatal incident.

According to their findings, the officers were allowed into the house by Heinl’s mother. She then led them into a bedroom, where officers saw Heinl sitting on the floor.

Officers asked Heinl if she needed help, and she responded by reaching under a blanket, producing a handgun, standing up and pointing at the officers, who then opened fire, the release said.

BCA agents who responded to the scene recovered a handgun and several spent shell casings. Body-worn cameras recorded the fatal incident and BCA investigators are reviewing the footage.

The state agency will present its findings to the Ramsey County District Attorney’s Office after the investigation is complete, without making a charging recommendation.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website. Resource information and a chat messaging service are provided free of charge. To speak to a professional directly, call 988. You are not alone and help is available. Every life is important.

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