Woman Concerned About Coronavirus Shoots At St. Pete Police

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — A 63-year-old woman anxious about the coronavirus pandemic was arrested Tuesday after St. Petersburg Police said she shot at an officer who was performing a welfare check on her.

At 4 a.m., members of Brenda Martin's family asked police to conduct a welfare check on her at her home in the 4100 block of 37th Avenue North. They told police she was anxious about coronavirus and was making statements that caused them concern.

When an officer knocked, she opened her door, pointed a handgun and fired at the officer.

The officer was able to take cover and was not injured.

Police said Martin resisted arrest as she was taken into custody. She's been charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest.

For those experiencing stress about the coronavirus pandemic, the Behavioral Health Work Group, in coordination with Directions for Living, has created a coronavirus-dedicated emotional support call line open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 727-525-4464, ext. 1001.