STOCKTON-
Stockton Police Chief Eric Jones said Monday that Misty Holt-Singh, who was taken hostage in a bank robbery July 16, was killed by gunfire from officers.
Investigators believe Holt-Singh was used as a human shield during a shootout between three gang members and police officers after a chase.
“We never had the opportunity to negotiate with the suspects,” Jones said, adding that Holt-Singh’s death was “very unfortunate.”
Jones says he has been in contact with her family.
Three women were taken hostage during an armed bank robbery at a now-closed Bank of the West branch. Two of the hostages survived after investigators say they were either pushed or thrown from the suspects’ vehicle.
READ MORE: Family of Slain Hostage Express Grief, Ask for Police Recordings
During the shootout after the chase, suspects Alex Martinez and Gilbert Renteria were killed along with Holt-Singh.
Jones said Holt-Singh’s death shows the “cowardice” of the sole surviving suspect, Jaime Ramos.
Holt-Singh was struck 10 times by gunfire, Jones said. Each bullet was police-issue.
Police are currently looking for a fourth suspect, believed to have dropped off the other three at the bank.