'ER' Actress Vanessa Marquez Shot By Police In South Pasadena

SOUTH PASADENA, CA -- A 49-year-old woman who was killed by South Pasadena police officers Thursday was identified by authorities as "ER" actress Vanessa Marquez. Police said officers conducted a welfare check in the 1100 block of Fremont Avenue when Marquez waved what turned out to be a BB gun.

"She was suffering from some problems, eating disorder," Sgt. Joe Mendoza of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department told reporters at the scene. "When they (officers) arrived, she was suffering a seizure."

The suspect was taken to a hospital and was later pronounced dead, Los Angeles County sheriff's investigators said.

ALSO SEE: Police Kill Woman Holding BB Gun in South Pasadena

"A Los Angeles County Mental Health clinician was on scene with officers from South Pasadena PD," according to a sheriff's department statement. "They continued to speak to her for over an hour and a half in an attempt to offer her medical care. She then armed herself with a handgun and pointed it at the officers, at which time an officer-involved shooting occurred."

"After the shooting, officers checked the weapon and they discovered it was a BB-type gun that resembled a semi-automatic handgun," Mendoza said.

Sources first told the South Pasadenan the woman was the "Stand and Deliver" star; Los Angeles County Sheriff's detectives later confirmed the identity.

Marquez was known for play Wendy Goldman in the award-winning drama of ER. She's also appeared in ''Seinfeld" and "Malcolm & Eddie."

Authorities are investigating the shooting incident.

--City News Service contributed to this report/Shutterstock image