St. Paul police are releasing the body cam video of an officer-involved shooting this week.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says 41-year-old Pepsi Heinl died of multiple gunshot wounds after police were called on a report of a suicidal woman.
Investigators say as police tried to help, she reached under a blanket, pulled out a handgun, and pointed it at officers. They then opened fire striking Heinl, who died at the scene.
"This illustrates how important it is that we, as both a nation, but also as a city, really look at how we deal with folks in crisis," says St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry. "It escalated very quickly and I'm struck by the fact that we went from a situation where I watched the video, seeing an officer lean over a person, being very empathetic, and asking 'how are you?' OK? How can I help you and seeing how quickly things can change."
Henry says it is a line of work where you never know when a situation like this coiuld happen.
"We never know," says Henry. " I could be driving home tonight and have to deal with a person in crisis, get out of my squad and deal with it, and it doesn't matter that you're the chief of police. You have to know how to do these, these core responsibilities."
The investigation continues. Henry says all members of the SPPD are required to undergo training on dealing with people in crisis.
The body cam footage can be viewed here and it is age-restricted. (Warning: Graphic Content)
Investigators say police tried to help the woman who reached under a blanket and pointed gun at officers
