Full Notification

WOMAN IDENTIFIED IN SCHOOL INCIDENT

Modesto, CA – Modesto Police fatally wounded a woman yesterday who entered an elementary school campus armed with a large knife. Police have released the woman’s identity.

At about 2:08 pm on Tuesday, Modesto Police were called to Catherine Everett Elementary School in northwest Modesto to investigate a woman who had walked onto the campus armed with a large knife. The first two arriving officers confronted the woman on the south side of the classroom buildings. Police believe the woman, who was still armed with the knife, charged the officers. The officers were forced to resort to deadly force. There are also reports that the woman was striking herself with the knife prior to being contacted by police.

The woman has been identified Elizabeth Catherine Kropp, a 43-year-old Modesto resident. Police believe the woman lived in close proximity to the school. The preliminary investigation suggests that Kropp had a mental health history. Though the multi-agency investigation is on-going, police are investigating the possibility that this was a “suicide by cop” scenario.

This morning, Modesto Police and Modesto City Schools administrators met with teachers and parents to provide up-to-date information and to answer questions. It remains apparent that the quick response of students, school personnel, and the responding officers averted further injuries. Well rehearsed and standardized emergency procedures ensured that the students and staff remained safe during yesterday’s incident.

Modesto Police detectives, along with personnel from the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office, are investigating the incident. The two involved officers remain on paid administrative leave while the incident is investigated. Both are standard procedures in officer involved shooting incidents. The case remains an active and on-going investigation.

The officer’s names will not be released at this time. Any future release will be evaluated by the Chief of Police in accordance with departmental policy.

For information about this news release, contact police spokesperson Sergeant Brian Findlen at (209) 652-1386.