Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
The shooting of Justine Ruszczyk and trial of former officer Mohamed Noor
Riham Feshir
St. Paul

Warrant: Woman slapped squad car before cop fatally shot Ruszczyk

The scene in south Minneapolis where Justine Ruszczyk was shot
The scene in south Minneapolis where Justine Ruszczyk, also known as Justine Damond, was shot.
Maria Alejandra Cardona | MPR News

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Before Minneapolis police officer Mohamed Noor shot Justine Ruszczyk through the open driver's side window of his squad, a woman had approached the back of the patrol car and "slapped" it, according to a court document filed Monday.

Authorities say Ruszczyk, who also used the surname Damond, called 911 to report a possible sexual assault in the alley behind her south Minneapolis home. She called again 10 minutes later to check on the status of the responding officer's arrival. Soon after, she was shot.

A search warrant was filed by Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigators to look at the area where the shooting happened and gather evidence as part of the investigation.

"Upon police arrival, a female 'slaps' the back of the patrol squad," according to the search warrant. "After that, it is unknown to BCA agents what exactly happened, but the female became deceased in the alley."

But the document doesn't explicitly say it was Ruszczyk who slapped the back of the police cruiser. It also doesn't say whether that was the loud noise that Noor's partner, Matthew Harrity, said he heard and was startled by before the shooting.

A BCA spokesperson declined to provide additional details, citing the ongoing investigation.

Noor has declined to speak with investigators. He remains on paid administrative leave.

The shooting has stirred controversy all around the country and internationally as news spread to Ruszczyk's home country of Australia.

Former Minneapolis Police Chief Janeé Harteau, before she resigned Friday, condemned Noor's actions and said "Justine didn't have to die." On Saturday, Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges appointed Assistant Police Chief Medaria Arradondo as acting chief.