An Aurora police officer shot a suicidal woman in the leg when she pulled out a gun late Wednesday night, officials say.
Melinda Espinoza, 24, was threatening to kill herself with a gun in the home of her estranged husband in the 2200 block of South Waco Court just before 10 p.m., said Shannon Lucy, Aurora police spokeswoman.
Espinoza met police officers outside the home and pulled out a gun, Lucy said. Police say that she pointed the gun in the direction of officers.
An officer, who has not been identified, shot the woman in the leg.
Espinoza was taken to a local hospital, where she was treated for the wound.
She was arrested for investigation of violating a restraining order and a traffic warrant. Later in the day, after futher investigation, police said she will also face a charge of felony menancing.
The officer who fired the shot has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation.
Kirk Mitchell: 303-954-1206 or kmitchell@denverpost.com
