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Denver police officers kill 17-year-old girl

By Frances Burns

DENVER, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Activists held a small high-volume protest Tuesday, a day after police in Denver shot a 17-year-old girl dead after she allegedly tried to run an officer down.

Some protesters linked the death of Jessica "Jessie" Hernandez of Thornton, Colo., to other police-involved killings by holding up signs saying "Hands up don't shoot," words now associated with the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo.

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The group of protesters moved into the District Attorney's Office, calling for an independent investigation into the shooting. They demanded to see District Attorney Mitchell Morrissey, who was not in the office.

Police said Hernandez was at the wheel of a stolen car with several other teenagers in the vehicle early Monday morning. The mother of one of the teenagers in the car, who did not want her name used, told the Denver Post the group had been sitting there for several hours, talking and listening to music, when the officers arrived.

Hernandez allegedly tried to drive off, hitting one of the officers in the leg. She was struck by several bullets.

The officer was treated for his injuries at a hospital and released.

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The protesters in the DA's office were emotional.

"She's dead and there's nothing we can do to bring her back," one told reporters, appearing close to tears.

Police Chief Robert White promised a thorough investigation.

"I think the facts will show that hopefully the officers' reactions were correct,:" White said in a statement. "If they weren't, we'll certainly address that."

Both officers involved in the shooting were placed on paid leave.

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