COCONUT CREEK, Fla. – A Florida woman was killed when two police officers opened fire after stopping a vehicle that had been stolen, officials said Tuesday.
The Coconut Creek Police Department said in a news release that two of its officers fired weapons in the confrontation Monday night and have been placed on administrative leave while state officials investigate.
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An officer stopped a white Mercedes for speeding and learned the car had just been reported stolen in nearby Parkland, police said. The officer called for backup, and two more officers arrived at the scene in Coconut Creek, a suburb of Fort Lauderdale.
After the other officers arrived, the car's driver, 36-year-old Brittni Muldrew, reversed the car in the direction of the officers, police said. Two of the officers fired their weapons and hit Muldrew, they said. The officers performed first aid at the scene, but Muldrew died from her wounds.
A passenger in the car, 49-year-old Levon Lopez, was not hurt, officials said. He was arrested and charged with felony murder and grand theft auto. Under Florida's felony murder law, a person can be charged with murder if someone dies while they're committing certain felonies, even if the victim was a participant in the crime.
All three officers were treated for minor injuries. Officials didn't release their names. A police dog was being treated at an animal hospital.
Jail records didn't list an attorney for Lopez.