An eyewitness account has surfaced that appears to contradict police’s version of events in the fatal shooting of unarmed Colorado motorist Jessica Hernandez.
Following the controversial death of the 17-year-old Monday morning, Denver police said officers fired at her because she was driving a stolen car and struck a cop — breaking his leg — as police approached the vehicle.
One of four other teens in the car told 9News that the police department’s story was not accurate. She says police first shot at the car’s window, injuring Hernandez, and forcing her to lose control of the car and strike the officer. She says the officer was pinned between the car and a fence.
“They came from the back, speeding,” the witness who wished to remain anonymous told 9News. “Jessie tried to drive away. They shot the window. When they walked up, they shot at her window and they shot her.”
Denver police said officers approached the vehicle because it was reported stolen. They are investigating the incident.
Both officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave.
Hernandez’s family said she was unarmed.
“How can they shoot her when she doesn’t have a gun,” her father, Jose Hernandez, told the Denver Post.
Another witness said she heard at least four shots fired. She saw police pull Hernandez from the damaged vehicle and handcuff her in an alley near E. 25th Ave. and Newport St.
Hernandez later died at an area hospital.
A medical examiner found Hernandez died from multiple gunshot wounds.
Denver’s independent monitor, Nick Mitchell, said Tuesday he will review law enforcement policies on shooting at moving vehicles, the Denver Post reported.
Hernandez’s family and friends called for a special prosecutor to investigate her death.
“She wasn’t trying to run a cop over or nothing,” one of the passengers said. “She wasn’t just a bad person that stole cars. She always tried to make you happy.”
Protesters gathered outside the Denver district attorney’s office Tuesday to ask officials to examine the case.
“They can fix his leg,” Jose Castaneda, Hernandez’s cousin, said. “What are they going to do to bring her home?”
