Police Officer Lawfully Used Deadly Force in Shooting of 69-Year-Old Woman, Investigation Finds

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Background

Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele announced on Monday that a thorough investigation has concluded that a police officer lawfully used deadly force in the shooting and subsequent death of a 69-year-old woman. The incident occurred last month when the woman allegedly threatened paramedics and police personnel with a gun.

The Incident

According to the details provided by Steele, emergency personnel received a 911 call on October 8th, reporting a suicidal woman who was possibly armed with a gun. Responding to the call, paramedics arrived at the 100 block of Evans Avenue in Upper Moreland Township.

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As they approached the residence, they found Mary M. Meister standing at the front door, pointing a gun at them. The paramedics immediately retreated and informed the arriving police officers about the situation.

The Police Response

Upper Moreland police officers arrived at the scene and observed Meister on the front porch, holding a silver handgun. The gun was later identified as a Smith and Wesson .38 caliber revolver, which Meister had purchased in August.

One of the officers attempted to engage in dialogue with Meister for over 12 minutes, urging her to put down the gun and talk. However, she repeatedly refused to comply with the officer’s requests.

In an attempt to resolve the situation without lethal force, a Hatboro police officer arrived at the scene equipped with a “less-than-lethal” weapon. The officer fired four rubber rounds at Meister, striking her once in the leg. However, instead of surrendering, Meister raised her gun and aimed it at the officers.

The Use of Deadly Force

At this critical moment, an Upper Moreland officer, whose identity remains undisclosed, made the decision to use deadly force. The officer fired at Meister, ultimately resulting in her death. Meister was immediately transported to Jefferson Abington Hospital by ambulance, where she was pronounced dead at 5:48 p.m.

Steele emphasized that the investigation conclusively determined that the officer’s use of deadly force was justified given the circumstances. He stated, “Our investigation determined the facts of this case supported the use of deadly force, and therefore, did not warrant any criminal charge against the officer involved.”

The Victim’s Intentions

Inside Meister’s home, investigators discovered a handwritten note indicating her intention to die by suicide. This piece of evidence sheds light on the state of mind Meister was in during the confrontation with the police.

Community Reaction

One day after the incident, a neighbor recalled that officers had pleaded with Meister to put her gun down before the shooting occurred. The incident has sparked discussions within the community regarding police response protocols and mental health crises.

Remembering Mary M. Meister

Mary M. Meister, born in Philadelphia, leaves behind a daughter and three siblings. Her husband had passed away in 2022. Meister had been involved with various charitable organizations and causes throughout her life.

She served on the board of directors of the Twilight Wish Foundation, a foundation that fulfills the wishes of senior citizens in need. Meister was also known for her volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity and her involvement in the Miss America organization as a local director.

Meister’s obituary states that she was a retired public utility worker and a lifelong political activist who advocated for the Family and Medical Leave Act.