Woman Who Refused To Lower Weapon Fatally Shot By State Police

RISING SUN, Md. (WJZ)—Authorities are continuing their investigation after state police were forced to shoot a woman in Cecil County after she refused to lower her weapon.

Police say 45-year-old Christine Lucas, of Rising Sun, called 911 to report a intruder was inside her home. Lucas told the dispatcher that her phone was about to shut off. Soon after, the phone disconnected.

Upon arrival to the scene, two Maryland State Police troopers, both with four years on the force, attempted to make contact with the woman from the exterior of the house.

According to the news release, Lucas could be heard screaming from inside her two-story, single family home.

The screaming eventually prompted the troopers to force their way into home through the garage.

In complete darkness, troopers entered to find Lucas sitting on a chair with her hands in her lap. Troopers say they gave verbal commands, but she did not respond. Authorities say Lucas put her hands up and picked up what appeared to be a handgun. Lucas shouted she did not believe they were the "real police."

Fearing for their lives, both troopers fired their weapon striking Lucas. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police say Lucas' 15-year-old was upstairs as the incident unfolded. Investigators say his mom handed him a duffel bag with his clothes inside, told him she loved him and to go upstairs and stay. Lucas also told her son where he could find his birth certificate and personal information.

The electricity, which appeared to have been shut off for months, detailed signs of financial trouble. Detectives also learned that Lucas stopped taking her prescribed medication the past couple of weeks.

The 15-year-old did have a father, police say, but he reportedly stayed at the home periodically. He was not inside the home at the time of the shooting.

After searching the home for clues, investigators found what appeared to be a suicide note explaining her actions.

Further investigation revealed that the weapon Lucas pointed at the officers was an air-soft pistol that had been painted black to make it appear more realistic.

Both troopers have been placed on administrative leave as the investigation continues.