Updated: Laguna Police Fire on Armed Woman

By Cassandra Reinhart and Andrea Adelson 

An unidentified woman, who wielded a weapon and was wounded by Laguna Beach police, underwent surgery and was listed in critical condition on Monday, Feb. 12, according to police.

A weapon was located at the scene on St. Ann’s Drive where the 36-year-old woman exited her vehicle about 2:40 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11, according to police Sgt. James Cota.

The incident was the second officer-involved shooting by a Laguna Beach officer in seven months. The Orange County District Attorney’s office is overseeing the current investigation. The two officers, who were uninjured and not further identified, were placed on administrative leave, and plan to return to duty soon, Cota said.

One of two officers who responded to the report about a depressed, suicidal woman who was threatening to kill herself discharged his weapon when she emerged from the vehicle with a weapon in her hand, Cota said.

The officer rendered first aid and the injured woman was transported to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo for treatment.

Her identity and condition were not immediately available, though police say she is not a local resident.

At around 3:30 p.m., police sent out a Nixle message via text to residents saying the 100 block of St. Ann’s Drive and the 700 block of Gaviota Drive will be closed until further notice.  Both were cordoned off and being treated as a crime scene.

“There were several calls received from citizens that she was seen in her vehicle with a handgun and this is where it ended,” Cota said.

“We are still trying to figure out the why and what her state of mind was, so this investigation is going to be ongoing throughout the night.”

He deferred further questions to the supervising investigator, Stan Berry, who did not return phone calls seeking comment.

A previous officer-involved shooting occurred last July and involved a stolen-vehicle suspect, who was arrested after a chase when an officer fired on the motorist trying to flee and run down the officer.

This story was updated on Monday, Feb. 12.