MILWAUKEE — As many as five people were shot and injured during an incident that drew a massive response from law enforcement in Milwaukee Thursday night.
The incident involved a Milwaukee police officer exchanging gunfire with a suspect, who ran away and is not currently in custody, police said during a press briefing.
Milwaukee police's involvement began when two officers were investigating a property damage report in the 2400 block of North 37th Street just before 8 p.m. During their investigation, they heard gunshots nearby, said Milwaukee Police Inspector Paul Formolo during the briefing.
The two officers arrived where the gunshots had been fired and found an armed suspect, police said. A 30-year-old Milwaukee police officer with four years of experience then exchanged gunfire with the suspect, before the suspect ran off, police said. The suspect is not in custody.
Nearby, the two responding officers then found four people suffering from gunshot injuries in a house. Those victims were identified as a 18-year-old woman, a 25-year-old woman, a 65-year-old man and a 19-year-old year man, police said. All of the victims were brought to the hospital. Their conditions are unknown.
About 30 minutes after the initial incident, police say a 25-year-old man arrived at a local hospital with gunshot injuries. Police believe he is somehow involved in the incident.
At this time police do not know if the police officer's rounds hit the suspect; therefore they are not describing the incident as a "officer-involved shooting" right now.
No description of the suspect was available, police said. One firearm was recovered.
Inspector Formolo said he "doesn't believe" there is a threat to the public.
The Oak Creek Police Department is taking lead in investigating the incident. The officer who fired his gun is on administrative leave per policy.
Massive shooting investigation at 37th and Meinecke.
— Stephanie Haines (@TMJ4Stephanie) October 8, 2021
An MPD officer says several people have been shot, none fatally.
Multiple block radius taped off with dozens of squad cars.
We are waiting for more info. pic.twitter.com/LM0uXdTyXt
In a separate incident closer to the center of the city, fire officials confirm four people were taken to the hospital from a scene near 8th and Cherry around 9:45 p.m. Three of the victims died overnight. One remains in critical condition.
Anyone with any additional information is asked to contact Milwaukee Police at (414) 935-7360 or Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-TIPS or P3 Tips App to remain anonymous.
