3 narcotics officers shot, elderly woman killed

<p>Three police narcotics officers were shot Tuesday night by a 92-year-old woman who was killed as the officers forced their way through a door while serving a warrant at a house in northwest Atlanta, officials said.</p><p>Neighbors and relatives said it appeared to be a case of mistaken identity. Police said the woman, identified as Kathryn Johnson, was the only resident in the house at the time, and had lived in the home for about 17 years.</p><p>Assistant Chief Alan Dreher said the officers had a legal warrant and "knocked and announced" before they forced open the door. He said they were justified in returning fire when they were fired upon.</p><p>The plainclothes Atlanta Police officers were transported to Grady Memorial Hospital for treatment. One was hit in the arm, another in a thigh and the third in a shoulder, and all three were conscious and alert, police said.</p><p>As the officers approached the house about 7 p.m., a woman inside started shooting, said Officer Joe Cobb, a police spokesman. The officers returned fire, wounding the woman, Cobb said.</p><p>Sarah Dozier, identified as a niece of the woman, told WAGA-TV that there were never any drugs at the house.</p><p>"My aunt was in good health. I'm sure she panicked when they kicked that door down," Dozier said. "There was no reason they had to go in there and shoot her down like a dog."</p>

http://accesswdun.com/article/2006/11/112488