MILWAUKEE — A suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound Tuesday night after being chased down by police and firing at officers. That suspect may be connected to the murder of a young woman.
According to the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office's demographic report, the 28-year-old man who died in the incident was Elijah Combs of Milwaukee.
Police say Aliyah Perez, the niece of Milwaukee Common Council President Jose Perez, was shot and killed in a domestic violence dispute on Sunday.
A social media post from her family said Aliyah's ex-boyfriend drove a Chrysler, and last night, the car involved in the pursuit was also a Chrysler.
Watch: Video shows the police chase and the end of the pursuit in a residential area.
According to the Milwaukee Police Department, the incident happened near 13th and Barnard around 8:46 p.m.
Police were chasing a suspect vehicle wanted in connection to a homicide.
During the pursuit, the driver shot at police officers, according to MPD.
MPD said the chase ended near 13th and Barnard when the driver, a 28-year-old man, shot and killed himself.
First responders were called to the scene to help the suspect but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said no MPD officers fired their guns and no one was injured as a result of the suspect shooting.
Christopher Schwartz said he lives along 13th and had been out on a delivery when he passed the scene of the crash.
"Over here it was just a lot of cops," said Schwartz. "There were so many cops I just even couldn't imagine this happening."
Schwartz also captured video of the chase from a surveillance camera on his house shortly before the crash.
"You see the car drive past pretty fast. It sounds like it has a flat tire. And then numerous cops chasing it," said Schwartz.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing and TMJ4 News is working to learn more.
The vehicle police had been chasing may also be connected to the homicide of a 26-year-old woman who died over the weekend.
While some of the key details are similar, police have not confirmed the two incidents are connected.
Aliyah's family told TMJ4's Bruce Harrison they plan to make a statement but they're still processing everything. Aliyah's mother said her heart is broken and she needs time.
Common Council President José G. Pérez released the following statement on March 3:
"Earlier this week my family experienced an incredible tragedy with the loss of my beautiful niece to domestic violence. The sorrow and pain of losing her has been one of the most difficult things my family and I have ever experienced.
I want to thank my extended family, colleagues, friends, and the community for the outpouring of support my family and I have received during this time. I would also like to thank the
Milwaukee Police Department, particularly the Homicide Division, for their efforts and professionalism throughout this difficult process. Additionally, I would like to thank the Office of Violence Prevention for their work.
Domestic violence can be found anywhere, can exist in any neighborhood, and can affect any family. It is incumbent upon everyone to make themselves aware and to be vigilant of the signs of domestic violence – and then to be proactive in sounding the alarm to protect potential victims."
Pérez provided the following resources for those who may be in a threatening situation:
The UMOS Latina Resource Center Crisis Line - (414) 389-6510
Division of Milwaukee Child Protective Services - 414-220-SAFE (7233)
IMPACT 211 (Dial 2-1-1)
National Domestic Violence Hotline (Hablo Español) - 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Sojourner Family Peace Center - 414-933-2722
Milwaukee Women’s Center - 414-671-6140
