Woman Dead After Cop's Gun Discharges in Tussle: Police

The woman had crashed a stolen car moments before police approached

A 23-year-old woman was shot in the chest and killed by a police officer as she tried to flee a stolen car she allegedly crashed in Brooklyn Thursday evening, police said.

Police said two officers were in an unmarked vehicle in East Flatbush when they saw a stolen Toyota Camry running a series of red lights through East 40th, 39th and 38th streets on Church Avenue before colliding with a minivan on 38th Street.

The police vehicle pulled up alongside the stolen Toyota at the crash site, and both officers approached the vehicle. According to police, one of the officers moved to the passenger side to open the door, but the driver flung open the door on that side, throwing the officer backward.

The woman then moved back to the driver's seat, put the car in reverse and hit the gas, police said.

Around the same time, the other officer had entered the driver's side of the car with his gun in one hand.

As he tried to shift the gear into park with his other hand, a single round was charged from the gun, hitting the woman in the chest, police said.

The woman was taken to Kings County Hospital in critical condition, and later died. She was identified Friday as Shantel Davis.

City Councilman Jumaane Williams said the police shooting needed scrutiny.

"I think everyone can agree that this young lady that is dead was unarmed," he said. "We have to try to figure out what exactly happened now."

The driver of the minivan struck by the stolen car was treated for minor injuries.

The Toyota Camry had been reported stolen in an armed carjacking June 5 in Brooklyn, police said.

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