Police shot and killed a 37-year-old Mundelein woman Monday evening after responding to reports that she was suicidal and armed with knives, according to Lake County authorities. Officers were called to a home in the 1100 block of Ashford Drive shortly before 6 p.m. after a relative reported that the woman was in crisis and allegedly wanted police to kill her.
According to investigators, officers arrived to find Mary Alice Love sitting on the back patio of the home while police spoke with a family member. Authorities said Love suddenly stood up, armed with two large knives, and aggressively approached the rear sliding door leading into the residence. Investigators said she began yelling as she forced the door open and attempted to enter the home.
An officer who was inside the residence fired multiple shots, striking Love. She was transported to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, where she was pronounced dead. The Lake County Coroner’s Office later determined she died from multiple gunshot wounds.
Neighbors described the area as typically quiet and said the sound of four gunshots shocked residents. One nearby resident said the shots were noticeably different from sounds commonly heard from a nearby gun range.
The officer involved in the shooting was taken to a hospital for evaluation and has since been placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues. Mundelein police said they are cooperating fully with investigators and plan to release video and audio evidence after key interviews and investigative steps are completed.
Police reform expert Chuck Wexler said incidents involving people experiencing mental health crises highlight the importance of crisis intervention training, communication, distance, and de-escalation tactics. Mundelein police said officers receive additional crisis intervention training, though department policy does not specifically address responses based on weapon type.
Authorities expressed condolences to the woman’s family, the involved officer, and the community affected by the incident.
