Mary Ann Minchew

Deadly force

Officers were called about an armed woman harassing neighbors. An officer found an intoxicated Minchew standing in her doorway. When she failed to come out, the officer used his Taser, but it didn't make contact. Minchew then blocked the entrance with her refrigerator door and a plastic chair. Sgt. Larry Hall asked Lt. Brian Kozak if he could fire his beanbag gun at the chair to get it out of the way, but was denied permission. Hall then fired a few moments later. Hall later said he was shooting at Minchew, not the chair. Hall, believing Minchew was struck, rushed in, followed by Rankin. Minchew was standing in the kitchen with a knife. She came at them and both officers fired, Hall with the beanbag gun and Rankin with his gun. Minchew was killed.