Shantel Davis, a 23-year-old Brooklyn woman, was shot dead by a New York City police officer on Thursday, the New York Daily News reports. She was unarmed when officer Phillip Atkins, 44, shot her in the chest during the chase.
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The incident took place around 5:40 p.m. after cops saw Davis in a gray Toyota Camry she reportedly carjacked on June 5. The New York Police Department says that Davis ran several red lights and crossed a double yellow line to pass cars before running into a minivan.
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When two cops approached the vehicle, Davis attempted to escape from the passenger side front door. When that attempt failed, she reportedly tried to kick the car in reverse. Officer Atkins got inside of the vehicle while Davis was trying to reverse it with his gun in hand.
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Here is how the rest of the incident unfolded, according to The News:
“He’s attempting with the other hand to shift the gear into park,” NYPD Spokesman Paul Browne said.
“When she’s hitting the gas, a single round was discharged from his firearm, striking the woman in the chest.”
Browne said it was too soon to say whether the detective, who has 12 years on the force, meant to pull the trigger or if it was an accident.
Witnesses described a scene of chaos before the shooting.
Dave McKenzie said he heard the cops yelling: “Get out! Get out!”
“They try to pull her out of the car, and she fights them,” McKenzie said, recalling the woman screaming, “Let me go! Let me go!”
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