Photo by David Zalubowski/AP
Authorities say Denver police shot and killed a teenage girl Monday morning after she allegedly drove a stolen vehicle toward two officers, striking one in the leg.Denver Police Chief Robert White told reporters that the incident occurred around 6:30am Monday morning when officers responded to a call regarding a suspicious vehicle in an alley of a Denver residential neighborhood. After the cops arrived on the scene, the driver of the vehicle, which was carrying four passengers, allegedly hit one of the policemen in the leg with the car, prompting the officers to open fire on the teen. The girl was transferred to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.While officials declined to name the teen, the Associated Press identified the girl as Jessica Hernandez. Police have made few other details public. The cop who was hit by the car received non-life threatening injuries. White said it was not clear whether the girl intentionally drove the vehicle toward the officers.Both officers have been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation.The incident sparked protests Monday night at the site of the shooting, where dozens of local residents assembled, holding signs with slogans like "Girls' lives matter too," and, "Cowards shoot girls."According to the Associated Press, supporters are planning to hold another rally at District Attorney Mitch Morrissey's office Tuesday to push for charges to be brought against the officers involved.