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COLOMA — A woman was shot and killed by a police officer in Coloma Wednesday morning after reportedly pulling a gun on officers, according to the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office.

At approximately 3:37 a.m. Wednesday, a 9-1-1 call was received  from 200 Block of Pearl Street in the City of Coloma in which a female caller was stating that she knows people are going to try and set her house on fire. Upon arrival, a Coloma Township Police Officer was approaching the house and saw the suspect pointing a long gun at him and his vehicle. The officer retreated to gain cover and called for additional back up.  

The suspect made several statements to 9-1-1 operators that her intent was to shoot police officers. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Response Unit was requested to assist with this armed individual. Upon arrival the TRU team made contact with the female suspect who had rifle in her hand and pointed it at officers. They requested that she drop the gun and exit the house with her hands up.

An attempt to deescalate the situation was tried for approximately 1.5 hours with several verbal commands given to the female suspect to come out with her hands up. A search warrant was obtained  for the residence while the suspect refused to continue communicating  with officers on scene. 

While attempting to make entry into the residence, less lethal rounds were used in an attempt to get the suspect into custody. One of the less lethal rounds penetrated the upper chest of the suspect. Emergency medical treatment was provided including advanced life support by Medic One Ambulance. The suspect was transported to Corewell Health Hospital where she succumbed to her injury and is deceased.  

The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office and the Coloma Township Police Department requested the Michigan State Police to perform the investigation into this incident. The name of the suspect is not being released pending  notification to immediate family. The name of the Berrien County Sheriff’s Deputy involved is also not being released at this time. He has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation as is standard  practice. 

No further information is available at this time.