US police officer who shot dead woman after calling 911 was 'startled by fireworks'

The US police officer who shot dead a woman after she called 911 to report a noise outside her home was reportedly startled by a loud sound before the tragic incident occurred.

Justine Damond, 40, had gone outside in her pyjamas to meet a police car at her home in Minneapolis when she was killed at about 11.30pm on Saturday.

Ms Damond, who was due to get married next month, was shot through the door of the squad car by an officer sitting inside the vehicle, it was reported.

Originally from Sydney, Australia, Ms Damond was killed in an alley outside the home in the Fulton area of the city that she shared with her fiancé, Don Damond.

Mohamed Noor, the officer who opened fire on Ms Damond, is refusing to be interviewed by authorities investigating the tragedy – but his partner has recalled the events leading up to her death.

In an interview with the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, he recalled how the 40-year-old, who was also known by her maiden name Justine Ruszczuk, was killed.

‘Officer Harrity indicated that he was startled by a loud sound near the squad [car]’, a statement from the BCA read.

‘Immediately afterward Ruszczyk approached the driver’s side window of the squad [car]. Harrity indicated that Officer Noor discharged his weapon, striking Ruszczyk through the open driver’s side window.

‘The officers immediately exited the squad [car] and provided medical attention until medical personnel arrived. Ruszczyk was pronounced dead at the scene.’

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It has also been suggested that the loud noise may have been fireworks, with a police dispatcher discussing the possibility of ‘aerial fireworks’ being used nearby in the original call to police.

Ms Damond worked as a life coach and meditation teacher and was engaged to fiance Don Damond – who was on a business trip when the death occurred.