Denver Teen Shot Protest - Angry protestors have filled the streets seeking answers after police shot and killed a 17-year-old girl, who struck an officer in the leg with a stolen car.
The fatal incident happened on Monday around 6:30 a.m. when two officers responded to calls that a stolen car had been spotted in an alley near East 25th Avenue and Newport Street.
According to reports, when the officers approached the vehicle on foot, Jessica Hernandez, the victim reportedly stuck one of the police men in the leg.
"At that time, the officers fired several shots, striking the driver," Chief Robert White explained the incident.
Although there were other teens present in the car, officials shot and killed Jessica Hernandez, a native of Thornton. Her four friends were present in the car when officers fired at least four shots into the vehicle. Luckily, none of them was hurt in the fatal incident, besides Jessica. Authorities have since released all the teenagers without charges.
"She made a bad choice, but to shoot at the head....there were people in the car. At least the cops could've shot the tires to let the vehicle stop, but instead she got her life taken away," said Cynthia Valdez.
Bobbie Diaz, the mother of a 16-year-old in the car, said contrary to police reports, officers had already began shooting at the car before the police man's leg was struck.
According to Associated Press, an anonymous passenger in the car at the time of the shooting said Jessica Hernandez only hit the officer's leg because she had lost control after being shot.
Residents have taken to the streets to express their anger and frustration at the shooting, which is the fourth case in 7 months involving Denver police shooting at a moving vehicle presumed to be a threat.
On Tuesday, the protesters gathered outside the office of District Attorney Mitch Morrissey, calling for a special investigation into Jessica Hernandez' violent death.
"Where's the video of where they dragged my cousin out and flipped her over and secured her after she was dead," Joe Castaneda, Jessie's cousin said. "I want to see the reason they shot my cousin."
The Office of the Independent Monitor for the City and County said it will launch an investigation into the cases of Denver police officers shooting at moving cars.
"I think the facts will hopefully show that the officers were correct. If not, we'll certainly address that," White said.
The officers involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave as investigations are conducted. The officer, who was hit by Jessica, suffered a leg fracture and has since been released from hospital.
