Rachel E. Tarrence

An Illinois state trooper fatally shot a woman as she drove in his direction during the investigation of a reported stolen vehicle, police said. Rachel E. Tarrence, 40, of Maryville, died after she was taken to an area hospital, the Illinois State Police said in a news release. The release said the incident occurred about 10:10 p.m. near a convenience store in the 4500 block of South State Street. The release said as troopers tried to stop the vehicle driven by Tarrence, she put it in reverse, striking a state police squad car. She then drove in the direction of a trooper, who fired at the woman, police said. The troopers weren't injured, police said. The trooper has been placed on administrative leave according to standard protocol, the release said. The state police's Division of Internal Investigation is investigating.