92 year old woman killed by the police

Last Tuesday a 92 year old woman was shot and killed by Atlanta Police officers.Kathryn Johnson was alone in her home waiting with her gunon Tuesday night when a group of plainclothes officers with a warrant knocked down her door searching for drugs, police said.

She opened fire, wounding threeofficers before she was shot to death.

Assistant Police Chief Alan Dreher called the killing "tragic and unfortunate" but said the officers were justified in returning fire.

Officers came to Johnson's home with a search warrant after allegedly buying drugs from a male earlier at the residence. According to CNN, police issued a "John Doe" warrant on Wednesday for the arrest of Sam, believed to be in his early to mid 30s, who allegedly sold the drugs to the undercover agent.

Crimes and drugs appear to be a everyday part of this Atlanta neighborhood. The woman's family have described her as a scared elderly woman that lived with bars on her windows and doors.

Some of Johnson's neighbors have said that this particular northwest Atlanta neighborhood is one of roughest neighborhoods in Georgia and that people do what they have to do to protect themselves including arming themselves if necessary.

Rev. Markel Hutchins, a civil rights activist and spokesman for Johnston's family, said he understand why the elderly woman would arm herself. "She was afraid," Hutchins said. "This is a horrifying situation in a neighborhood where crime happens often. This incident is a result of a mix-up."

The police chief said the officers identified themselves before entering the home and then forced open the door of Johnson's house where she had lived for 17 years.

Investigator Gary Smith, 38, was shot in the leg and Investigator Cary Bond, 38, was struck in the arm.

Investigator Gregg Junnier, 40, was hit in the leg, the face and his bulletproof vest. They were taken to the hospital and are expected to recover.

District Attorney Paul Howard said his office is looking into the shooting but that a preliminary review indicated the officers had a right to search the home.

Johnston had no children and her closest relative was a 75-year-old niece, neighbors said.