Emily Krumrei, Suspect With Drug Warrants, Shot Dead By Texas Police While Fleeing Traffic Stop

A suspect with outstanding drug warrants was shot and killed Monday by police in Richardson, Texas, as she fled a traffic stop.

Richardson police spokesman Sgt. Kevin Perlich told the Dallas Morning News that Emily J. Krumrei, 31, who had active felony narcotics warrants, including one for the possession of cocaine, was struck and killed by a single bullet fired by an officer.

According to local news outlet WFAA, police did not know that Krumrei was wanted at the time of the traffic stop.

NBC Dallas reports that Krumrei had refused to stop her car when an officer signaled her to do so Monday morning. Two officers then gave chase. A third officer, investigating a nearby traffic accident, stepped into the road and also signaled for Krumrei to stop.

According to Perlich, Krumrei accelerated toward the officer, "making contact," at which point he, "in fear of his life," drew his weapon and fired at the driver's side window of the car. Krumrei then crashed her vehicle into a guard rail and was taken to an area hospital, where she died. The officer was not injured.

Police said they are conducting two separate investigations of the incident -- one criminal, one administrative -- “to make sure the shooting was within the law and within policy.” The officer will be put on leave during the investigation.

WFAA reports that Kumrei was a mother of two and a part-time accountant. Dan Wyde, an attorney for Kumrei, said in an interview with WFAA that he thinks police overreacted to the situation.

"How could his life be in danger if he is on the side of the vehicle out of the way of the front of the car?" Wyde said.

Although Kumrei's reasons for fleeing are not known, Perlich said it is possible her outstanding drug warrants played a factor in her decision not to stop. In an interview with the Dallas Morning News, Chris Knox, another of Kumrei's attorneys, said that, despite his client's warrants, there was no reason why she would act violently.

“Emily was a sweet girl,” Knox told the newspaper. “She deserves a very thorough investigation to ensure that this unfortunate and sad situation is handled and disposed of in the appropriate manner.”

According to StopTheDrugWar.org, an advocacy group that seeks "an end to drug prohibition worldwide," Krumrei is the ninth person to die in U.S. domestic drug operations this year.