BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Bakersfield Police Department released body-camera footage showing a woman charging at officers with a knife before she was shot outside a Walmart, Bakersfield Now reported.
The incident occurred June 3 when officers responded to a report of an assault inside a Walmart. Store security directed officers to a woman believed to be the suspect in the reported assault.
According to the Bakersfield Police Department, officers attempted to engage the suspect outside the store. Body-camera footage shows officers trying to communicate with her, but she kept one hand inside her purse and did not respond.
Video then shows the suspect pulling a knife from her purse and charging at the officers from about 10 feet away. Officers deployed TASERs, but they were ineffective. One officer then fired his weapon, striking the suspect.
The woman received medical aid at the scene and was transported to a local hospital, where she was later listed in stable condition. She was booked into the Lerdo Jail Facility on July 16 on charges including assault and assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer.
The Bakersfield Police Department said an investigation is underway to determine whether the use of force was within policy and legal standards. The findings will be submitted to the Kern County District Attorney’s Office for independent review.
