Armed woman shot by deputy in Dania Beach, authorities say

Woman sustained non-life-threatening injuries, BSO spokeswoman says

DANIA BEACH, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating a deputy-involved shooting in Dania Beach.

Broward Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Keyla Concepcion said deputies encountered Kim Nguyen Cholak, 40, in the area of Northeast Third Street and Northeast Second Avenue shortly after 11 a.m. Tuesday.

Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony later confirmed that the BSO had received reports that Cholak was armed with either a hatchet or meat cleaver while chasing another woman.

He said deputies ordered Cholak to drop the weapon, at which time she charged them. 

"Our deputies fired several rounds, striking the suspect, and was able to treat her with our fire rescue service. So that is what we have right now," Tony said.

Authorities said Cholak later told deputies that she made up the attack to provoke them into shooting her.

Witness Betsy Alvarez told Local 10 News reporter Todd Tongen that she heard three gunshots.

Another woman in the area, who didn't want to be identified, said she was shocked at what she heard and then saw.

"Three shots went off and her stomach was bleeding and her hip was bleeding, and she fell to the ground," the woman said.

A view from Sky 10 showed what appeared to be a shotgun on the ground, but Tony said it was a less-lethal weapon meant to de-escalate the possibly deadly situation.

"That is one of our less lethal weapons. As the call was occurring, we were hoping to get the less lethal weapon up and close enough to where we could reduce lethal aspect, but unfortunately, we never had the time to use it," Tony said. 

The sheriff confirmed Cholak was shot at least once and was taken to Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood. Tony said her injuries were not life-threatening and she has since been released from the hospital.

Cholak faces a charge of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. She was also receiving mental health treatment under the state's Baker Act.

Following the Sheriff's Office policy, the deputy who shot Cholak has been placed on administrative leave.


About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.