A 93-year-old Texas woman was shot and killed by a police officer on Tuesday after she allegedly brandished a gun.
Pearlie Golden was fatally shot at her home in Hearne by Officer Stephen Stem, according to the Robertson County District Attorney’s office. Police were reportedly called to the scene by members of her family, who said she was threatening them with a gun, according to KBTX.
Via the Associated Press:
Stem was responding to a 911 call about a disturbance involving a woman with a gun. The Hearne Police Department said in a written statement that Golden “brandished a firearm” when Stem encountered her. He then shot her multiple times.
A revolver believed to be the weapon Golden had at the time of the shooting was found at the scene by officers, the statement said. She was taken to a hospital in nearby Bryan where she died from the injuries.
City attorney Bryan Russ said officials believe the woman was told to put the gun down but did not comply.
“She did have a gun,” said Robertson County District Attorney Coty Siegert. “What she was doing with it, that is the ultimate question.”
According to KBTX, this is not the first time Stem has shot a suspect while on duty. Six months after he started with the department, he fatally shot a man who was firing a gun from his car in a parking lot. A jury cleared him of wrongdoing in that shooting.
The Texas Rangers are now in charge of the investigation into the shooting death of Golden. Stem has been placed on administrative leave.
Image via Shutterstock.