A Citizen Policy Academy event in Florida ended tragically on Tuesday when a woman was shot with a live round and later died.
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In a “shoot/don’t shoot” role play scenario Mary Knowlton was randomly selected to play a “good guy” at the Citizens Academy at the Punta Gorda Police Department. Lewis said there were approximately 35 people in attendance.
Knowlton was “mistakenly struck” with a live round during the lesson’s ‘first scenario, ‘ the department said.
Police said the scenario is meant to demonstrate the decision-making process when using “simulated lethal force in a live role play”. “I am asking that if you pray, you pray for Mary’s husband and family and for all the officers and witnesses that involved this incident”.
Knowlton was taken to Lee Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead. She was one of 35 civilians from the Punta Gorda community participating in the academy.
‘Everyone involved is in an overwhelming state of shock and grief, ‘ he said during a press conference on Tuesday night.
Knowlton’s class met at the Punta Gorda Police Department around 5.30pm and the shooting occurred just before 7pm.
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Chief Tom Lewis contacted the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to respond and begin an investigation into the events surround the incident. The officer that shot her has not been named, police said in a statement, but has been placed on administrative leave while officials investigate. As the investigation continues and more information is available we, will release it.
