Armed woman shot by Newport News police succumbs to her injuries

According to Newport News police, an armed woman died Saturday after being shot during a standoff with police following an alleged car theft.

None of the officers were injured and authorities have not released the woman’s name.

A press release said Newport News police responded to reports of a person with a gun and shots fired in the 1100 block of Jebs Place, near 16th Street, around 2:20 a.m. Saturday. Officers came into contact with an armed and “upset” woman.

“Despite multiple attempts to de-escalate the situation and due to the individual’s actions, an officer fired his weapon, striking the individual,” the press release said.

The woman later succumbed to her injuries at a local hospital.

Police say that before the shooting, the woman threatened two people – who later reported the incident to authorities – at gunpoint and demanded that one of them drive her to a specific location. The driver crashed into a parked vehicle and the woman left the scene on foot.

After the shooting, the woman’s gun was confiscated. According to police, it had previously been reported stolen.

In accordance with standard protocol, the officer involved in the shooting was placed on leave with pay pending the outcome of the investigation.

Colin Warren-Hicks, 919-818-8138, [email protected]