Rep. Albert Hale and Troy Eid, former chairman of the Indian Law and Order Commission, recently called on United States Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch to investigate the death of a Navajo woman, who was allegedly shot while being taken into police custody in March.
According to the Department of Public Safety, who is conducting the investigation, one officer shot at the woman five times during an altercation while trying to take Tsingine into custody because she fit the description of the shoplifting suspect.
"While attempting to take the subject into custody, a struggle ensued," stated the Winslow Police Department in a press release. "At this time, the subject displayed a weapon which presented a substantial threat to the officer. The officer discharged his weapon resulting in the unfortunate death."
"This is an active investigation," Hale said. "I want to thank the Native American leaders who have united in calling for further investigation into this tragedy."