The Medina County sheriff shot and killed a woman Wednesday evening after she disobeyed an order to drop her weapons and appeared to charge toward authorities outside the sheriff's office, Medina Police Chief Edward Kinney confirmed during a press conference Thursday.
The woman was identified during the press conference as 37-year-old Victoria Carter of Lafayette Township. The Medina Police Department and Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation are handling the case.
Around 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Medina County Sheriff's Office, a bystander called in through the intercom to let deputies know a woman was in the parking lot creating a disturbance, Kinney said. The bystander told them the woman was armed.
Sheriff Terry Grice and deputy Doug Clinage witnessed Carter approach the front doors and saw she was armed with a knife and gun, Kinney said.
The officers then commanded Carter to stop and drop her weapons. She proceeded to drop the gun but then picked it up and ran toward the officers, Kinney said.
Clinage first shocked her with a Taser, which had no effect on her, Kinney said. She then lunged again, and Grice shot at her.
Carter died on the scene after lifesaving efforts from officers. No officers were injured.
What happened in the surveillance video?
Police released a surveillance video showing the incident.
In the video, a white car is seen driving on the sidewalk and parking in front of the sheriff's office.
Carter steps out when a bystander approaches her to see what was going on. Carter then pushes the bystander away and is seen on video holding two weapons. When the bystander tried to report it on the intercom, Carter lunged at him again.
Grice and Clinage are then seen approaching Carter and commanding her to drop her weapons. She drops the gun for a brief moment while exchanging words with them, but then picks it up and begins running toward the officers. Clinage tases her first, but Carter lunges again, and Grice fires shots at her.
It's unknown at this time how many shots were fired at her, Kinney said.
After further investigation from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, it was determined that she had a replica gun and a real knife.
"It's a tragic incident for the family of Ms. Carter and the department and staff of the Medina County Sheriff's Office," Kinney said.
Kinney said the police department had made multiple welfare checks on Carter before due to mental health issues. She did not have a criminal history.
"It's absolutely tragic that she wasn't able to get the help she needed so that this end result didn't happen," Kinney said.
Kinney also said Carter's boyfriend was at the Medina County Sheriff's jail at the time of the incident. It's unclear if that played a role in Carter's actions.
It is also unclear whether the sheriff and deputy remain on active duty during the investigation.
Kinney said police were able to speak to Carter's family and send their condolences.
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