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Woman shot dead in training scenario during Punta Gorda citizen academy

A police “shoot/ don’t shoot” demonstration went awry when a Florida officer shot and killed a 73-year-old former librarian with what police said was real ammunition used by mistake at an event created to bring law enforcement and the public together. She was randomly picked out of 35 students to participate in a “shoot/don’t shoot” session to teach people how to make decisions in situations when confronted with lethal force.

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Knowlton was transported to the hospital immediately, but it was too late; she died of her injuries. If you pray, please pray for Mary’s family, and for the officers and witnesses who were involved.

‘Everyone involved is in an overwhelming state of shock and grief, ‘ he said during a press conference on Tuesday night. The involved officer, who has not been named, has been put on administrative leave pending investigation.

Controversy surrounded Officer Coel earlier this year after a man sued the City of Punta Gorda and the police department claiming Cole and his K9 went too far during a traffic stop arrest.

A Florida woman was accidentally shot and killed by a police officer during a self-defense class Tuesday night.

It’s for the family of Mary Knowlton — one of her dearest friends.

Police said “Knowlton was struck with a live round”. Across from them, a yet unnamed officer was demonstrating to the group when it would be appropriate to offload a firearm.

Lewis said he knew Knowlton well, calling her a “phenomenal person in this community”.

Lewis said he was unaware that live rounds had even been made available to the officer involved.

According to her Facebook page, Knowlton graduated from Austin High School in 1961 before attending St. Olaf College in Northfield, the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State University in Makato. He said most departments do not use weapons in “shoot/don’t shoot” scenarios that are capable of firing a live round.

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Kunik said one of the city’s first priorities was to involve the police department’s chaplain “to provide assistance and comfort”.

Punta Gorda                      WFTX