GREENWOOD, Ind.–Police in Greenwood still aren’t sure why Monica Vaught, 49, drove to the police department, then sped at officers twice before she was shot and killed Tuesday night. Four cops are now on administrative leave with pay, per department policy.
Greenwood Police Chief James Ison told reporters Wednesday afternoon that 911 calls led police to chase Vaught, who he said was driving erratically before the pursuit ended in the PD parking lot.
LISTEN: Part of the press conference
“Officers attempted to box her in. They put a vehicle in front of her and behind her,” said Ison. “She then started crashing into the vehicle in front of her and behind her trying to create space. She was able to maneuver her way out of that box, sped towards officers.”
Ison said she sped toward the cops twice. When they shot at her the first time it was unclear if Vaught was hit.
“She then went to the north end of the parking lot where she stopped for a few moments, revved her engine and then took off at a high rate of speed south towards the position of the officers, where they again opened fire, this time putting an end to the incident.”
Ison described the situation as sad, noting that Vaught was known to police.
He said there is body cam and surveillance video, which he said would be released later. He declined to name the officers involved in the shooting, but said there were four cops who fired shots.
He did not know how many times Vaught was shot, saying an autopsy is scheduled for some time in the next day or two.
Ison said he was not aware of any weapons in the vehicle, but noted that her car became a 2,000 lb. weapon when she charged at officers.
“We went through a progression of means to de-escalate the situation and try to end it peacefullt. But, ultimately their lives were put into danger and they had to react.”
