Board clears officer who shot at woman

Keith Paul

Thursday, March 29, 2001 | 11:01 a.m.

Metro Police's use-of-force board ruled Wednesday a sergeant followed department guidelines when he shot at a woman who was accused of shooting at the officer. She later killed herself.

The five-member board voted unanimously, clearing Sgt. Dan Southwell in connection with firing shots at 20-year-old Karoline M. Bradley on Feb. 4 in the area of 13th and Fremont streets about 10:30 p.m., Deputy Chief Ray Flynn said.

"There were plenty of witnesses (that said) she fired at him," Flynn said.

Police were called to the area of Sixth and Fremont streets earlier on Feb. 4 on the report of a woman with a gun but were unable to locate her.

Police said Southwell, an officer for 13 years, spotted Bradley about an hour after the first call, and when he confronted her Bradley is accused of pointing a gun at him and firing. Southwell, 40, returned fire. Neither were hit by the shots.

Police said Bradley retreated to a hotel room and apparently shot herself.

The use-of-force board is made up of three citizens and two officers.

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