WINSLOW, Ariz – According to a press release issued by the City of Winslow, on Mar. 27, at 4 pm, Winslow Police officers were dispatched to the Circle K located at 323 N. Williamson Avenue to investigate a report of a shoplifting.

Officers were alerted to search for a subject described as a Native American female wearing gray sweatpants and a white top. Officers located a subject fitting this description in the area.

The press release states that while attempting to take the subject into custody, a struggle ensued. The subject displayed a weapon which the responding officer perceived as a substantial threat. The officer discharged his weapon resulting in the death of 27-year-old Loreal Tsingine.

Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye supports the efforts of public safety departments across the Navajo Nation including those that serve border town communities.  He said that police officers risk their lives on a daily basis to ensure the public’s safety and they deserve to be commended.

Begaye said he would like to see an independent investigation done on the shooting of Loreal Tsingine, who is a member of the Navajo Nation.

“We hear about these types of shootings happening across the country,” he said. “If there is no legitimate justification for taking Tsingine’s life, then the Navajo Nation wants the fullest extent of the law to be taken in serving justice.”

According to the City of Winslow, the involved officer has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation that has been undertaken by the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

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