GRANTS PASS OREGON, a 43-year-old woman was shot and killed by police Saturday afternoon after authorities received reports that she was firing a gun in the roadway, according to the Oregon State Police.
Officials identified the woman as Alicia Shelton of Grants Pass.
Officers with the Grants Pass Police Department responded around 12:30 p.m. to the area of Grants Pass Parkway and M Street after multiple 911 callers reported a woman standing in the street and discharging a handgun.
Police said officers repeatedly ordered Shelton to drop the weapon, but she allegedly refused to comply. Officers then opened fire. Shelton was transported to a hospital, where she later died. No other injuries were reported.
Authorities confirmed Shelton’s identity later that day and said she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.
In the hours before the encounter, Shelton posted several messages on Facebook expressing distress and frustration. Some of the posts referenced housing issues, family conflict, and feelings of being targeted, raising concerns about possible mental health struggles.
The Josephine County Major Crimes Team has been activated, with the Oregon State Police leading the investigation. The Oregon State Police Crime Lab processed the scene, and the investigation remains ongoing.
As is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings, the officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
