A homeless woman is facing charges for allegedly taking a police officer's gun and firing a shot after she was told to move from where she was sleeping.
West Springfield police said Kristin Rechenberger became argumentative and non-compliant when officers told her to move from a work site near Riverdale and Pierce Streets Friday morning, leading to a standoff that lasted over an hour.
The department said while she was being placed under arrest, she gained control of an officer's service weapon and fired a gunshot in their direction before being apprehended.
Rechenberger is being held in the women's facility without bail, with authorities noting she appears to be suffering from severe mental illness.
(Photo: John Baibak, WHYN News)