A Chicago man claiming to be a police officer fatally shot a Black woman accused of shoplifting.

The Chicago Tribune reports the victim, identified as Sircie Varnado, was confronted by a Walgreens store manager for allegedly stealing feminine hygiene products.

Suddenly, a man claiming to be an officer intervened, drew his weapon and fired upon the 46-year-old. Varnado and the phony officer exchanged words before the fatal shots were fired at 11:30 p.m. on June 13. He reportedly shot the woman in her head, and she was later pronounced dead at Mt. Sinai Hospital.

The unidentified gunman then fled the scene in a dark-colored SUV, police said.

Family members close to the victim are demanding answers. Varnado's sister and niece believe the fatal shooting could have been avoided.

"There are many ways he could have apprehended her without shooting her in the face," said her sister Maria Reed.

Chicago Police are now in contact with the gunman. According to CBS Chicago, the fake cop is an "unofficial security guard" at the North Side Walgreens location. The suspect does have a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card and concealed carry license. He is identified only as a Black man — other information, including his name, has yet to be released.

Reed maintains her sister should still be alive. Other options such as Tasing could have been utilized to subdue her if Varnado committed a crime.

"He could have Tased her, he could have subdued her, hold her down, even pepper sprayed her, at least she would have been alive."

The security guard has had prior run-ins with the law, reports the Chicago Tribune. Last year, the man exchanged words with a woman in a White Castle on the South Side. The security guard reportedly threatened to kill the 24-year-old woman and her niece during the altercation over a receipt. “I’m a police officer. Meet me outside. See what’s gonna happen,” the report read.

A Walgreens spokesperson told CBS Chicago the company will cooperate with police throughout the investigation.

"We are committed to providing a safe environment for our employees, patients and customers in the communities we serve," the company said in a statement.

The gunman has not been criminally charged.

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