Officer N. Adams is investigating an incident where an SUV was pulled over on the wrong side of the street. The incident ended with the death of one victim.
On Friday, Westminster Police released body camera footage of the fatal July 25 shooting.
Adams stopped to check for a west-facing silver SUV parked in the eastbound turn lane of 88th Avenue. As he approached the vehicle, he noticed the driver, Alysha Duran, 46, sitting quietly. He asked if she was okay, but she didn’t answer.
The police kept asking her questions, but she said nothing. Noting that she didn’t appear to be under the influence of alcohol, he asked if the video said she needed an ambulance.
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Adams reportedly saw Duran draw a handgun, according to a department news release. The officer tried to grab Duran’s arm and asked what she had taken. He then stepped back, aimed his gun and fired four times, killing her.
Another vehicle was trapped in the shooting. The driver was not injured.
“I’m sorry,” Adams said to nearby vehicles, sounding like he was on the verge of tears. “She put her hand in the center console and I saw this gun. She pointed it straight at me. I was so scared I was going to shoot you at close range.”
Investigators have been placed on paid leave, according to a news release. The 17th Judicial Major Incident Response Team is investigating. The investigation is expected to continue for several months before sending the results to the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office for review.
“We understand that incidents like this have a profound impact on our citizens, families and employees. We understand the concerns raised following police shootings. It is important to remember that these situations are complex and often require our officers to make difficult, A split-second decision,” said a Westminster Police release.