A woman armed with a weapon died Sunday after a police officer fired a gun at her following a welfare check in Easton, Massachusetts, officials announced.
The Bristol County District Attorney's Office confirmed it is investigating the police shooting that involved an Easton officer.
According to the DA's office, an Ashland resident called 911 around 11:30 a.m. Sunday to request a well-being check for a family member who was reportedly threatening to harm herself.
Easton officers responded to the Spooner Street home where the woman resided and found the 56-year-old in possession of a weapon, the district attorney said. Other residents in the home were evacuated from the house for their safety.
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The Metro-Lec regional response team was requested on scene and officials set up a perimeter around the home near Center Street. Police said there was no danger to the community but nearby residents were evacuated as a precaution while several agencies worked the scene.
According to the district attorney, the woman approached the front entryway of the home, still in possession of a weapon, and an Easton police officer, who feared for their safety, fired a single shot at the woman.
The woman remained inside the home while negotiators made several attempts to speak to her on the phone, the DA said. The SWAT team later entered the home and found the woman dead.
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Officials have not identified the woman or said what weapon she was armed with.
The officer who was involved in the shooting has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation, per department protocol. The officer's name has not been released, and the Easton Police Department said it will not be releasing any further information.
The Bristol County DA's Office is continuing to investigate what happened Sunday.
