Another teenager riding in the car that 17-year-old teenager Jessica Hernandez was driving when she was gunned down by Denver police this week is dramatically disputing officer's versions of the shooting, sparking protest across the city.

Hernandez died of multiple gunshot wounds after officers responded to calls of a suspicious vehicle sitting in an alley near East 25th Avenue early Monday. Arriving officers were quickly able to match the vehicle's license plate to one that had been reported stolen.

Shortly after the shooting, Police Chief Robert White told 9News.com that as officers approached the vehicle, it sped away, pinning one of his officers between the vehicle and nearby fence. The officer reportedly suffered a broken leg.

"As they approached, the driver of the vehicle struck the original officer at which time the officers fired several shots," said White, adding that officers demanded those inside exit the vehicle several times after learning it was stolen.

Now, another teen also in the car claims Hernandez never had a chance. The unnamed youth told reporters her friend was shot before the car ever took off or even moved.

"When the cops walked up, they were on [Jessica's] side of the car, and they shot the window and they shot her," she said. "That's when she wrecked, and that's when the cop got hit."

According to the Denver Post, Monday's shooting marked the fourth time over the last seven months cops have opened fire on drivers they later claimed were using their vehicles as a weapon. Of those instances, two people were killed and three others injured. Police note at least three officers have also suffered injuries.

The two officers involved in Monday's shooting, identified as Daniel Greene and Gabriel Jordan, have both been placed on administrative leave, pending the completion of a criminal investigation.

During a candlelight vigil for Hernandez held on Tuesday night, family members said they plan to have her undergo an independent autopsy and a second toxicology test.

Related