Police in Florida say a woman has been accidentally shot to death by an officer during a citizens academy exercise.
ABC-7 in Ft. Meyers reports that Punta Gorda Police Chief Tom Lewis says 73-year-old Mary Knowlton was taking part in a roleplaying scenario Tuesday when she was "mistakenly struck with a live round."
Lewis says Knowlton was chosen from about 35 people in the class for a "shoot/don't shoot" simulation. He says she was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The officer involved has not been identified and is on administrative leave pending a Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation, Lewis says.
The police department released a statement:
"On Aug. 9, 2016, the Punta Gorda Police Department hosted approximately 35 civilians from the community for a two hour Citizen Police Academy, during which time two participants were randomly selected to be put through a "shoot/don't shoot" scenario in which they make decisions on using simulated lethal force in a live role play.
During the first scenario, participant Mary Knowlton was struck with a live round and was fatally injured. She was transported to Lee Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Chief Tom Lewis stated, "I am devastated for everyone involved in this unimaginable event. If you pray, please pray for Mary's family, and for the officers who were involved. Everyone involved in this accident is in a state of overwhelming shock and grief."
Chief Tom Lewis contacted the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to respond and begin an investigation into the events surrounding this incident. The involved officer has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of this investigation. Florida Department of Law Enforcement personnel are now on scene and have taken command of the investigation.
The Punta Gorda Police Department realizes the community has many questions about this incident. We also must take great care to not jeopardize the investigation. As the investigation continues and more information is available we will release it."
Photos posted in a March Facebook album show adult students in a classroom watching and participating in what appears to be live demonstrations.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
