Phoenix PD: Woman shot by police had pointed gun at officers

Suspect in Phoenix officer-involved shooting identified

PHOENIX - Police say a woman is dead after she pointed a gun at officers before being shot in Phoenix.

According to the Phoenix Police Department, the shooting happened just after midnight on Dec. 28 near 27th Avenue and Indian School Road.

Prior to the shooting, officers in the area were involved in a traffic stop and heard gunshots. They proceeded to investigate and were approached by 47-year-old Helen Jones who spoke to them about her car that was parked at a nearby strip mall.

The officers asked Jones if she was armed and told her to show her waistband. Jones said she was unarmed, but police say she refused to show her right-side hip area that appeared to conceal a weapon.

Police say the officers tried to get Jones to comply, but she refused and pointed a gun at them. The officers opened fire, striking Jones.

"I can tell you there was a gun recovered at the scene and we will be out here for several hours and the area of 27th Avenue and Indian School will be closed for several hours," said Sgt. Maggie Cox.

Jones was transported to an area hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Cox says less-lethal munition from a stun bag was also used by an officer.

No officers were hurt and the investigation is ongoing.